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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting unexpected power loss, image interruption, or flickering when installing a blade or moving the video laryngoscope handle.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
Remove the McGRATH MAC from clinical use if the display, camera image, or power operation is intermittent.
If the issue occurs during airway preparation or a procedure, clinical staff must immediately use another ready, verified video laryngoscope or appropriate backup airway device. Do not continue relying on a unit that may shut off or lose image during intubation.
Expected outcome: Patient care is not dependent on an intermittently functioning airway visualization device.
Why it matters: The McGRATH MAC is intended to provide visualization of the vocal cords during laryngoscopy; loss of power or image during handling may compromise airway management.
2. Confirm the Reported Intermittent Behavior
With the device removed from patient use, install an unopened, compatible McGRATH disposable blade and power the unit on.
Observe whether the display and camera image remain stable while:
- Installing the blade normally
- Holding the device in the expected clinical position
- Gently moving the handle and display through normal handling
- Removing and reinstalling the blade one time
Do not force, twist, drop, or aggressively flex the device.
Expected outcome: The display and camera image remain continuously stable during normal blade installation and handling.
If resolved: Document that the issue could not be reproduced after inspection and functional verification; return to service only according to departmental policy.
3. Verify the Correct Blade and Inspect Blade Fit
Confirm that only a compatible McGRATH disposable laryngoscope blade is being used. Inspect the blade package and the removed test blade for deformation, cracks, debris, or abnormal resistance during installation.
Install a new compatible blade and confirm it slides into position normally without requiring excessive force.
Expected outcome: A correct, undamaged blade installs smoothly and does not produce power loss or image interruption.
If resolved: Discard the suspect disposable blade, verify stable operation using a new blade, and stop troubleshooting.
Why it matters: Medtronic specifies that the McGRATH MAC must be used only with McGRATH disposable laryngoscope blades, which are intended for single use.
4. Inspect the Camera and Blade-Mounting Area Externally
Remove the blade and inspect the externally visible camera area and blade-mounting surface for:
- Dried contamination or residue
- Cracks or chips
- Moisture
- Distortion of the blade channel or mounting features
- Evidence that blade installation is contacting or stressing the camera housing abnormally
Clean or disinfect only according to approved facility and manufacturer instructions before retesting.
Expected outcome: The camera and blade-mounting area are clean, intact, and allow consistent blade installation without image disruption.
If resolved: Verify stable video operation with a new blade and stop troubleshooting.
5. Check Battery Status and Battery Seating
Observe the displayed battery-time indication when the device powers on. If the remaining operating time is low, replace the disposable battery pack or install a verified charged rechargeable battery, as applicable to the facility configuration.
Remove and reseat the battery according to normal operating practice. Inspect the battery externally for cracks, looseness, damaged removal tab, contamination, swelling, or evidence of poor fit.
Power the unit on and repeat normal handling verification.
Expected outcome: The battery is secure, the battery indication is acceptable, and the device does not restart, flicker, or shut down when handled.
If resolved: Replace the suspect battery, document the finding, and stop troubleshooting.
Why it matters: The McGRATH MAC operates from a proprietary battery pack and provides minute-by-minute battery indication; Medtronic lists disposable and rechargeable power options for the current McGRATH MAC.
6. Differentiate Blade-Related Symptoms From Handle-Related Symptoms
With a verified battery installed, power the device on without repeatedly stressing it. Compare operation:
- With no blade installed
- With a new compatible blade installed
- While holding the handle stationary
- During gentle normal repositioning
If intermittent power or image loss occurs even without blade installation, the condition is more consistent with a handle, battery-contact, power-button, display-hinge, or internal connection problem than with a disposable blade issue.
Expected outcome: Operation remains stable regardless of whether a blade is installed or the handle is gently repositioned.
If resolved: Document the accessory or battery condition that caused the symptom and stop troubleshooting.
7. Inspect the Handle, Display Hinge, and Power Button Externally
Examine the device for:
- Cracked or separated housing
- Loose, damaged, or abnormal display hinge movement
- Power button sticking, binding, or responding inconsistently
- Signs of impact or fluid ingress
- Intermittent image or shutdown associated with slight movement of the display or handle
Do not open the housing or attempt internal repair at the clinical location.
Expected outcome: Housing, display, and power control are physically intact and do not affect operation during normal use.
If damage or repeatable intermittency is found: Remove the device from service and proceed to repair evaluation.
8. Perform a Final Functional Verification Only if the Unit Is Stable
Using a verified battery and a new compatible blade, power on the device and confirm:
- Stable display illumination
- Clear, continuous camera image
- Acceptable battery-time indication
- No restart, flicker, or image loss during normal handling
- No visible damage affecting safe use
Do not test on a patient.
Expected outcome: The McGRATH MAC operates continuously and reliably through normal setup and handling.
If the symptom recurs: Stop troubleshooting and remove the device from service.
If the Problem Persists
If intermittent operation continues after ruling out blade fit, visible contamination, battery condition, battery seating, and obvious external damage, the issue is likely related to an internal connection, battery contact assembly, power control, camera/display connection, or structural damage within the handle.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
An intermittently functioning video laryngoscope is not appropriate for clinical use. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate the device is proper Clinical Engineering practice.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot intermittent operation on an active patient. A video laryngoscope that flickers, loses image, or powers off during handling should be replaced with a known-working device before airway management continues.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported the McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope intermittently lost display and camera operation when a disposable blade was installed or the handle was moved."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"During bench evaluation, operation became intermittent with normal handling after blade installation despite use of a new compatible blade and verified battery, indicating a likely handle or internal connection fault."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the McGRATH MAC from service, applied an Out of Service label, and routed the unit for repair evaluation due to repeatable intermittent operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Patient use discontinued or backup device provided
- Blade type and size tested
- New compatible blade tested
- Battery type installed: disposable or rechargeable
- Battery-time indication observed
- Battery reseated or substituted
- Whether symptom occurred with or without a blade installed
- Whether movement of the handle, display, or battery reproduced the issue
- Visible cracks, contamination, moisture, or impact damage
- Final device status: returned to service or removed from service
Final Thought
Intermittent performance in an airway visualization device must be taken seriously. Begin with safe, external checks such as blade compatibility, battery condition, seating, cleanliness, and visible damage. When normal handling repeatedly causes power or image interruption, removing the device from service and documenting the failure clearly protects patients and supports efficient repair follow-up.
That is successful troubleshooting.