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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots dim, inconsistent, or questionable Volista illumination caused by settings, contamination, obstruction, positioning, power, accessory, or measurement conditions.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Provide Adequate Illumination
If light output is insufficient or unstable during a procedure, immediately provide verified alternate surgical lighting. Do not continue relying on a light whose illumination is unpredictable.
Expected outcome: The surgical field has dependable illumination while the affected light is evaluated.
2. Confirm the Reported Output Problem
Determine whether staff report low intensity, visible fluctuation, uneven illumination, inconsistent response to adjustment, or a measurement that appears out of specification. Identify whether one or multiple light heads are affected.
Expected outcome: The output complaint is clearly defined and localized.
3. Verify Normal Intensity Settings
Check the normal user-adjustable intensity setting and any applicable operating mode. Confirm that the output was not intentionally reduced and that controls respond normally.
Expected outcome: The light is commanded to the intended operating condition. If the complaint was caused by an incorrect normal setting and output is restored, verify function and stop.
4. Inspect the Light-Emitting Surface
With the equipment safely positioned, inspect accessible light-emitting surfaces and covers for soil, dried cleaning residue, damage, discoloration, or obstruction. Clean only according to approved procedures.
Expected outcome: The optical surface is clean, intact, and unobstructed. If cleaning restores normal output, verify stability and stop.
5. Check Positioning and Obstructions
Evaluate the light at an appropriate working position. Ensure handles, covers, equipment, booms, monitors, drapes, or room objects are not obstructing the light path or creating the perceived low-output condition.
Expected outcome: The light has an unobstructed path to the intended field.
6. Compare Light Heads
If multiple Volista light heads are installed, compare their visible response under equivalent settings and similar positioning. A significant difference can help isolate the issue without assuming a specific internal failure.
Expected outcome: The complaint is localized to one head or shown to affect the broader system.
7. Verify Power Stability
Confirm stable facility power and observe whether output fluctuation corresponds with power interruptions, control input, movement, or another external event.
Expected outcome: External supply instability is ruled out or identified. If facility power correction resolves the problem, verify the light and stop.
8. Inspect Accessible Connections and Mechanical Movement
Inspect accessible cables and connections for damage or strain. Carefully move the light through its normal range while observing output, provided this can be done safely. Do not open articulating joints or internal wiring compartments.
Expected outcome: Illumination remains stable throughout normal positioning. Intermittent output related to movement requires removal from service and escalation.
9. Verify Output Using Approved Measurement Methods
If objective output verification is required, use the applicable Getinge procedure and properly calibrated test equipment. Do not invent illumination limits, distances, or tolerances.
Expected outcome: Measured output meets applicable manufacturer requirements. If it does and operation is stable, troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate an Unresolved Output Problem
If settings, cleanliness, positioning, power, connections, and approved measurements do not produce acceptable results, remove the affected light from service.
Expected outcome: An unreliable surgical light is not returned to clinical use based solely on visual appearance.
If the Problem Persists
Common external setting, optical-surface, obstruction, positioning, power, and connection causes have been ruled out. Remaining possibilities include internal light-source electronics, control circuitry, installed wiring, thermal management, or optical components requiring qualified service.
Remove the affected light from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange qualified evaluation using current Getinge service documentation and approved optical/electrical test equipment. Internal repair should be performed only by qualified personnel.
Return-to-service testing should include stable illumination, normal adjustment, positioning, and any applicable manufacturer-specified output verification. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Always judge surgical-light performance at the actual clinical working position; obstruction and positioning can mimic a true output failure.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"OR staff reported that one Volista light head appeared significantly dimmer than expected."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found dried cleaning residue covering part of the light-emitting surface."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"The surface was cleaned using the approved method, illumination was verified as stable through normal adjustment and positioning, and the light was returned to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- One or multiple light heads affected
- Reported low, unstable, or inaccurate behavior
- Intensity setting
- Light-surface condition
- Obstructions or positioning
- Comparison with another light head
- Facility power condition
- Behavior during arm movement
- Test equipment used
- Measurement results
- Final device status
Final Thought
Maintain safe illumination, rule out settings, contamination, obstruction, and positioning before assuming internal failure, use approved measurements when required, and escalate unstable output appropriately.
That is successful troubleshooting.