ICU Medical CADD-Solis

Asset Type

Infusion Pump

Manufacturer

ICU Medical

Model

CADD-Solis

What This Guide Helps With

This guide provides a structured Clinical Engineering approach when an ICU Medical CADD-Solis infusion pump displays:

• “Cassette Error”
• “Cassette Not Recognized”
• Pump will not start infusion after cassette installation
• Audible alarm immediately after attaching cassette

The focus is on logical, external, and easily verifiable checks before assuming a failed cassette, damaged latch mechanism, or internal sensor issue.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

• If the pump is actively infusing:
• Transition the patient to another pump if therapy must continue.
• Stop the pump safely per facility policy.
• Do not troubleshoot while connected to an active patient unless therapy is safely paused.

This prevents interruption of critical infusion therapy.

2. Remove and Re-seat the Cassette

• Stop the pump if running.
• Remove the cassette completely.
• Inspect the pump cassette interface.
• Reinstall the cassette firmly until it clicks and locks into place.
• Confirm the cassette is:
• Properly aligned
• Fully seated
• Locked securely

A partially engaged cassette is the most common cause of recognition errors.

3. Inspect the Cassette for Physical Damage

• Examine:
• Cassette housing
• Tubing channel
• Keying/alignment features
• Pressure plate contact area
• Look for:
• Bent or broken alignment tabs
• Cracked or warped plastic
• Signs of fluid contamination
• Dried medication residue

Even minor warping can prevent proper sensor engagement. Replace the cassette if any defect is observed.

4. Confirm Cassette Compatibility

• Verify:
• Cassette type matches the programmed therapy
• Volume (50 mL, 100 mL, etc.) matches pump configuration
• Cassette is approved for CADD-Solis use
• If unsure, compare with a known-good cassette from the same stock.

Incorrect cassette type can trigger validation errors.

5. Inspect the Pump Cassette Latch Area

• With the cassette removed:
• Check for debris or dried medication residue
• Inspect latch mechanism for smooth movement
• Look for plastic fragments or obstruction
• Confirm latch does not feel loose or damaged
• Clean gently per facility cleaning policy if contamination is present.

Obstructions can prevent proper sensor or latch engagement.

6. Power Cycle the Pump

• Turn the pump off.
• Wait at least 10 seconds.
• Turn it back on.
• Reinstall the cassette.

Temporary logic or sensor faults may clear after a reboot.

7. Test with a Known-Good Cassette

• Install a new, unused cassette:
• Attempt to program and start infusion.
• If the error clears:
• The original cassette was likely defective or warped.
• If the error persists with multiple cassettes:
• Suspect internal pump issue (cassette detection sensor, latch microswitch, pressure sensing mechanism, or PCB fault).

8. Observe and Document Exact Error Behavior

• Record:
• Does the error occur immediately upon installation?
• Does it occur only when starting infusion?
• Are there additional pressure or occlusion messages?
• Does the latch feel loose or not fully engaging?

This information helps determine whether the issue is mechanical, sensor-related, or logic-based.

If the Problem Persists

If the pump continues to display “Cassette Error” after completing the steps above, common external causes have been ruled out.

You have already:

• Reseated the cassette
• Inspected for cassette damage
• Confirmed correct cassette type
• Cleaned the cassette interface area
• Power cycled the pump
• Tested with a known-good cassette

The issue is likely internal, such as:

• Cassette detection sensor failure
• Latch microswitch malfunction
• Pressure plate sensing issue
• Main PCB fault

The appropriate next step is to:

• Remove the pump from clinical service
• Clearly label it Out of Service
• Send for repair or Clinical Engineering bench evaluation

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot cassette recognition issues while the pump is delivering critical medication to a patient.

Always ensure therapy continuity by:

• Transferring the patient to another verified pump first
• Confirming infusion settings before restarting therapy

Patient safety and uninterrupted therapy take priority over device evaluation.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:

“Pump displaying ‘Cassette Error’ — cassette not recognized after installation.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:

“Cassette reseated and replaced with known-good cassette. Error persists. Suspected internal cassette detection sensor or latch switch failure.”
“Warped cassette identified; pump functioning normally with replacement cassette.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:

“Removed pump from service, labeled Out of Service, sent for repair.”
“Tagged for CE bench evaluation.”
“Replaced defective cassette; pump tested and returned to service.”

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Cassette reseated (yes / no)
• New cassette tested (yes / no)
• Visible cassette damage observed
• Latch engagement normal (yes / no)
• Error immediate or during infusion start
• Presence of additional pressure or occlusion alarms
• Final device disposition (returned to service or sent for repair)

Final Thought

Most “Cassette Error” messages are caused by improper seating, damaged or warped cassettes, or debris in the latch area. A structured, logic-based approach ensures you rule out simple supply and setup issues before escalating.

Protect the patient first, verify external factors second, and escalate appropriately when internal failure is suspected. Proper documentation supports both clinical safety and repair efficiency.

That is successful troubleshooting.