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Asset Type
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) System
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots charging failure and reduced battery runtime involving AC power, charging status, battery condition, connectors, storage, and external operating conditions.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient Before Evaluating Battery Operation
Do not intentionally remove AC power from a patient-supporting ECMO system to test battery runtime. If transport backup power is questionable, use a verified alternate transport power plan and follow the ECMO team's backup procedure.
Expected outcome: ECMO support does not depend on an unverified battery.
2. Confirm the Battery Complaint
Determine whether:
- Battery does not appear to charge
- Charge indication never increases
- Unit will not operate from battery
- Runtime is shorter than expected
- Console shuts down unexpectedly during transport
- Battery warning appears despite AC connection
Document AC status, displayed battery indication, and conditions when the problem occurred.
Expected outcome: The battery problem is clearly distinguished from a general console power problem.
3. Verify the AC Power Source
Confirm the wall outlet or approved transport power source is functional. Inspect the external power cord, plug, and accessible inlet for damage.
Expected outcome: Reliable AC power reaches the system and charging status can be evaluated correctly.
4. Verify Charging Indications
Observe the console's normal battery and charging indications while connected to verified AC power.
Allow the system to remain connected under normal charging conditions as appropriate to determine whether the status changes.
Expected outcome: The system recognizes external power and indicates charging appropriately. If a poor power connection caused the issue, correct it and continue verification.
5. Inspect External Battery-Related Connections
Where battery components or connections are externally accessible without disassembly, inspect for:
- Incomplete seating
- Damage
- Contamination
- Swelling
- Cracks
- Heat damage
- Corrosion
Do not use a damaged, swollen, leaking, or overheated battery.
Expected outcome: No unsafe battery condition is present and accessible connections are secure.
6. Review Recent Use and Storage Conditions
Determine whether the device:
- Was stored disconnected from AC power
- Had prolonged transport use
- Was recently placed back into service after storage
- Has had repeated deep discharges
- Was exposed to excessive heat or cold
These factors may explain a temporarily low charge or degraded battery condition without establishing the exact internal cause.
Expected outcome: Charging and runtime observations are interpreted in the correct operational context.
7. Perform an Approved Battery Functional Check
With the system removed from patient use, perform the manufacturer- or facility-approved battery evaluation using appropriate test conditions.
Do not create an improvised transport-runtime test on clinical equipment supporting a patient.
Expected outcome: Battery performance is adequate for the approved test or the battery clearly fails the applicable evaluation.
8. Compare With a Known-Good Battery When Applicable
If the battery is an approved field-replaceable component and qualified personnel are authorized to exchange it, compare operation with a known-good compatible battery following the appropriate procedure.
Do not open the unit or access internal batteries unless authorized.
Expected outcome: Normal charging and runtime with a known-good battery isolates the original battery as the likely service component.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
After correction, verify:
- AC power is recognized
- Charging indication is normal
- Battery operation can be demonstrated safely
- No unexpected resets occur during approved transition testing
- Battery alarms and indicators function appropriately
- The unit passes required transport-readiness checks
Expected outcome: Battery backup is reliable under approved test conditions. Troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Persistent Charging or Runtime Failure
If verified AC power, appropriate charging time, secure accessible connections, and approved battery testing do not produce acceptable operation, remove the system from service.
Expected outcome: Battery, charging-system, power-management, or internal electronic issues are referred for qualified evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
External AC power, charging conditions, accessible connections, storage history, and approved battery checks have been completed. Remaining possibilities include battery degradation, charging circuitry, internal power distribution, or battery-management electronics.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate Getinge documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Following corrective action, complete charging, battery backup, alarm, and full system functional testing before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Confirm transport power capability before moving an ECMO patient; transport is not the time to discover that the console battery cannot sustain reliable operation.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"ECMO staff reported the ROTAFLOW II battery was not charging while the console was staged for transport."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the external AC power cord was not fully seated at the console power inlet."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Secured the power connection, confirmed normal charging indication and approved battery operation, completed functional checks, and returned the system to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Battery indication at time of complaint
- AC or battery operation
- Outlet test result
- Power cord and inlet condition
- Charging indicator behavior
- Battery physical condition
- Storage or recent transport history
- Approved battery test result
- Known-good battery comparison if performed
- Final battery and alarm verification
- Final device status
Final Thought
Maintain safe ECMO backup power, verify the external charging path before condemning the battery, test backup operation under controlled conditions, and escalate any unreliable transport-power system.
That is successful troubleshooting.