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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting failed image/video capture, missing recordings, SD card recognition problems, or inability to transfer stored documentation to USB.
The C-MAC HD Monitor uses an SD card for image and video documentation and supports transfer of recorded data from the SD card to a USB flash drive. Menu wording may vary by monitor version or software configuration.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
Remove the monitor from active airway use before troubleshooting any documentation or export problem.
If the monitor is needed for an airway procedure, provide clinical staff with a known-working video laryngoscope or alternate visualization method before evaluating the affected unit.
Expected outcome: Troubleshooting is performed without interrupting airway management or relying on a monitor with an unresolved documentation concern.
Why it matters: Failure to capture or export documentation should never delay or interfere with patient airway management.
2. Confirm the Reported Failure
With the unit removed from clinical use, determine exactly what failed:
- Image capture does not save a still image.
- Video recording does not start or save.
- Previously recorded files cannot be viewed on the monitor.
- SD card is not recognized.
- Files are present on the monitor but will not transfer to USB.
- USB device is not recognized.
- Staff expected a saved file, but no file is available.
Create a test capture only using a non-patient setup.
Expected outcome: The issue is narrowed to capture, storage, playback, USB recognition, or export.
If the documentation function works normally during testing: Confirm saved test files are viewable or exportable, document the findings, and return the device only according to department policy.
3. Verify Basic Monitor Operation
Power the monitor on and confirm that it boots normally, displays a usable image from a connected compatible scope or imager, and responds to touchscreen or documentation controls.
Inspect the monitor for visible damage, liquid intrusion, cracked ports, bent contacts, or signs of impact near the SD card or USB interfaces.
Expected outcome: The monitor functions normally apart from the reported storage or export concern.
If the monitor has startup, display, control, or port damage: Stop troubleshooting and send the unit for bench evaluation.
4. Inspect the SD Card and SD Card Slot Externally
Power down the monitor before removing or reseating the SD card.
Check that:
- An SD card is installed.
- The card is fully seated.
- The card is not cracked, contaminated, bent, or physically damaged.
- The SD card slot does not contain debris or show damaged contacts.
- The card’s write-protect tab, when present, is not accidentally set to prevent writing.
Reinstall the card securely and restart the monitor.
Expected outcome: The monitor recognizes the SD card and allows a test image or video to be stored.
Why it matters: The C-MAC HD Monitor records images and videos to SD card before USB transfer is possible.
If reseating the card restores recording: Confirm playback of the saved test file, document the corrective action, and stop.
5. Check Available Storage and Playback
Using the monitor’s playback or stored-file function, check whether existing recordings can be accessed and whether the monitor indicates inadequate remaining storage or a storage-related warning.
When approved by department policy, protect or transfer needed files before clearing unnecessary test or non-required documentation.
Expected outcome: Adequate storage is available for a new test capture, and saved files can be viewed on the monitor.
If recordings save after storage is made available: Verify one new still image and one short test video as appropriate, document the finding, and stop.
6. Perform a Controlled Image and Video Capture Test
Connect a known-compatible C-MAC video laryngoscope, S IMAGER, or other approved compatible source.
With no patient involved:
- Confirm live image display.
- Capture one still image.
- Record a short test video, when applicable.
- Open playback and verify the test file exists and can be viewed.
Expected outcome: The monitor saves and plays back documentation from a controlled test.
If the live image is present but no test file saves: Continue troubleshooting the SD card/storage pathway.
If no live image is present: Address the scope, imager, cable, or video input issue separately; documentation cannot be verified without a valid image source.
7. Test With a Known-Good Approved SD Card
When permitted by local policy and manufacturer-supported accessory practices, test the monitor with a known-good compatible SD card intended for C-MAC use.
Do not use unidentified media containing patient information, and do not format or erase clinical media without authorization.
Repeat a test still-image capture and playback verification.
Expected outcome: The monitor records normally using known-good media.
If the known-good SD card resolves the issue: Remove the failed or suspect card from use, handle any stored patient information according to facility policy, replace the media as appropriate, and document the result.
If the known-good card is also not recognized or cannot save: The fault is more likely related to the monitor’s SD card interface, software, or internal documentation circuitry.
8. Inspect and Test USB Export
Once files are confirmed to exist on the SD card through monitor playback, insert a known-good approved USB flash drive into the monitor’s USB port.
Check that:
- The USB drive is properly inserted.
- The connector is not damaged or loose.
- The USB port has no visible contamination or bent components.
- The monitor recognizes the USB device.
- A test file can be transferred from the SD card to USB using the normal export function.
The C-MAC HD Monitor is designed for transfer of stored documentation from the SD card to a USB flash drive through its USB interface.
Expected outcome: A stored test image or video transfers successfully to USB.
If export works with the known-good USB drive: The originally used USB device may be incompatible, corrupted, full, or damaged. Document the test result and stop.
9. Differentiate Capture Failure From Export Failure
Use the following logic:
- Files do not save to the SD card: Focus on SD card, SD slot, storage availability, or monitor documentation function.
- Files save and play back on the monitor but will not export to USB: Focus on USB media, USB port, or export function.
- Files export successfully but cannot be opened on a workstation: Evaluate the USB drive, workstation permissions, file-handling process, or supported playback software outside the monitor.
- Documentation controls do not respond while other monitor functions work: Treat as a monitor control/software concern requiring further evaluation.
Expected outcome: The failure is isolated to the correct part of the documentation workflow.
10. Complete Final Functional Verification
After any corrective action, perform a final controlled test:
- Confirm normal monitor startup.
- Confirm live image display from a compatible source.
- Save a test still image.
- Save a short test video when applicable.
- Confirm playback on the monitor.
- Transfer one saved test file to an approved USB drive.
- Confirm successful export according to facility workflow.
Remove test files according to department policy and ensure no patient information remains on temporary test media.
Expected outcome: Image documentation and USB export operate normally.
If all verification steps pass: Return the monitor to service according to Clinical Engineering policy and document the completed testing.
If the Problem Persists
If the C-MAC HD Monitor still fails to recognize approved SD media, will not save test documentation, does not recognize a known-good USB drive, or cannot export confirmed stored files, common external causes have been ruled out.
The issue is likely related to the monitor’s media interface, USB interface, software, or internal documentation circuitry.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation through the approved service pathway.
Do not open the monitor or perform internal port, board, or storage-interface repair unless specifically authorized and trained to do so. Knowing when to stop after external verification is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not troubleshoot documentation or export failure while the C-MAC is being used for an active airway procedure. Airway visualization and patient management take priority over image capture. Move clinical use to a known-working device before evaluating the affected monitor.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the Karl Storz C-MAC HD Monitor displayed the live laryngoscope image but would not save images or transfer documentation to USB."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Confirmed live image operation; installed SD card was not recognized during test capture, and documentation function returned after replacement with a known-good approved SD card."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the suspect SD card from use, verified test image and video capture, confirmed playback and USB export, and returned the monitor to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Monitor powers on and displays live image.
- Connected scope or imager used during testing.
- SD card present and fully seated.
- SD card physically damaged, write-protected, full, or not recognized.
- Known-good SD card test result.
- Image capture test result.
- Video capture test result.
- Playback verification result.
- USB flash drive recognized or not recognized.
- Known-good USB test result.
- Export verification result.
- Any visible SD slot or USB port damage.
- Presence of patient data requiring secure handling.
- Final device status: returned to service or removed from service.
Final Thought
Documentation failure may not prevent live visualization, but it can affect required clinical records, teaching files, or quality-review workflows. Begin with patient safety, isolate whether the problem involves capture, storage, playback, or export, and escalate appropriately when approved external media testing does not restore normal operation.
That is successful troubleshooting.