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 triggers:

• Air-in-line alarms during infusion
• Repeated air alarms with no visible bubbles
• Frequent nuisance alarms disrupting therapy

The focus is on logical, external, and easily verifiable checks before assuming cassette failure, tubing defects, or internal sensor malfunction.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

• If actively infusing, transition the patient to an alternate pump if therapy cannot be interrupted.
• Do not troubleshoot on an active critical infusion when avoidable.
• Once therapy is safely managed, proceed with inspection.

Patient safety always takes priority over device troubleshooting.

2. Inspect Tubing and Cassette for Air

• Stop the pump if running.
• Visually inspect tubing from cassette to patient.
• Examine the cassette reservoir for visible air.
• Look closely at the section of tubing that passes through the pump’s air detection area.

Even small bubbles near the sensor can trigger alarms.

If air is present:

• Re-prime tubing per manufacturer guidelines.
• Remove all visible air before restarting infusion.

3. Check All Tubing Connections

• Verify all luer connections are secure.
• Inspect for loose, partially threaded, or cross-threaded connections.
• Check for any signs of leakage.

Loose connections can introduce air during infusion, especially at higher flow rates.

4. Confirm Proper Cassette Installation

• Remove the cassette.
• Re-seat it firmly into the pump.
• Ensure it is fully locked and secured.
• Verify tubing is correctly aligned within the cassette channel and pressure plate area.

A partially seated cassette can cause false air detection.

5. Verify Pump Orientation and Placement

• Confirm the pump is upright per manufacturer guidance.
• Avoid placing the pump on uneven surfaces.
• Ensure tubing runs freely without tension or kinking.

Improper orientation or tension can affect sensor accuracy.

6. Power Cycle the Pump

• Turn the pump off.
• Wait at least 10 seconds.
• Restart the pump.
• Reinstall cassette and tubing.
• Restart infusion and monitor.

Temporary sensor or logic glitches may clear after a reboot.

7. Test with Known-Good Tubing and Cassette

• Replace tubing and cassette with new or verified working components.
• Use the same infusion settings.
• Observe behavior.

If alarms stop:

• Original tubing or cassette likely had trapped air or a defect.

If alarms continue:

• Internal air-in-line sensor, pressure plate, or logic issue is likely.

8. Observe and Document Alarm Pattern

Note the following:

• Does alarm occur immediately upon start?
• Does it occur only at certain flow rates?
• Is there visible air when alarm triggers?
• Does repositioning tubing temporarily resolve it?
• Does priming temporarily fix the issue?

Pattern recognition helps distinguish external setup issues from internal failures.

If Air-in-Line Alarms Persist

If alarms continue after ruling out:

• Air in tubing
• Loose connections
• Cassette misalignment
• Defective tubing/cassette

The likely causes include:

• Air-in-line sensor failure
• Pressure plate detection issue
• Firmware or logic malfunction

These are not correctable through bedside troubleshooting.

Next steps:

• Remove the pump from clinical service
• Label the device Out of Service
• Send for Clinical Engineering bench evaluation or vendor repair

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never attempt repeated resets or bypass alarms during active infusion without ensuring patient therapy is maintained.

If therapy is critical:

• Move the patient to a functioning pump first.
• Then troubleshoot the device offline.

Air-in-line alarms are safety features and should not be overridden without verification.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:

“Pump repeatedly alarming for air-in-line; no visible air in tubing.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:

“Tubing inspected and re-primed; cassette reseated; alarm persists.”
“Replaced tubing and cassette; alarms continue. Suspected internal air sensor issue.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:

“Removed from service, labeled Out of Service, sent for bench evaluation.”
“Replaced defective tubing and cassette; infusion resumed without alarms.”
“Power cycled and reseated cassette; issue resolved.”

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Tubing primed (yes / no)
• Tubing replaced/tested
• Cassette replaced/tested
• Pump orientation verified
• Alarm timing (immediate vs. during infusion)
• Flow rate at time of alarm
• Visible air present (yes / no)
• Final device status (returned to service or sent for repair)

Final Thought

Most air-in-line alarms are caused by trapped air, loose connections, or cassette alignment issues. Internal sensor failures are less common but possible.

A structured, step-by-step approach:

• Rules out simple external causes
• Protects patient therapy
• Prevents unnecessary part replacement
• Supports clear, defensible documentation

That is successful troubleshooting.