On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting a blank screen or absent camera image caused by battery, power-button, physical damage, or internal display/camera failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
Remove the McGRATH MAC from clinical use before troubleshooting if the display does not power on or no camera image is available.
If the problem occurs during airway preparation or use, provide clinical staff with an immediately available working alternative video laryngoscope or appropriate airway device. Do not troubleshoot an unreliable airway device on an active patient.
Expected outcome: Airway management is not dependent on a video laryngoscope with an unavailable or unreliable image.
2. Verify the Reported Failure
With the device away from patient care, press the power button once and observe:
- Whether the LCD display activates.
- Whether a battery-time indicator appears.
- Whether the distal LED illuminates.
- Whether the screen remains completely blank, lights without an image, or displays an intermittent image.
The McGRATH MAC uses a battery unit in the handle to power the screen, camera, and LED.
Expected outcome: The symptom is clearly identified as complete no-power, powered display with no video image, or intermittent operation.
If normal video returns and remains stable during repeated testing, proceed with required inspection, cleaning/disinfection, and return-to-service procedures.
3. Inspect for External Damage or Poor Fit
Inspect the device exterior, including:
- Power button for damage, sticking, cracking, or poor movement.
- Display housing and hinge area for cracks or looseness.
- Handle and battery cavity for visible damage, contamination, corrosion, or fluid residue.
- Battery unit for damage, swelling, cracked housing, damaged contacts, or poor seating.
- CameraStick and distal LED/camera area for visible physical damage.
Do not continue testing a device with loose, damaged, or poorly fitting components. The manufacturer’s troubleshooting guidance directs damaged or poorly fitting equipment to repair or replacement.
Expected outcome: The device and battery interface are externally intact and safe for continued evaluation.
If damage is found, stop troubleshooting and remove the device from service.
4. Reseat the Battery Unit
Power the device off, remove the battery unit by its tab, and inspect the battery and battery compartment for visible contamination, moisture, damage, or incomplete seating.
Reinstall the battery unit fully into the handle and press the power button once.
Expected outcome: The device powers on and displays a stable camera image with a visible battery indication.
If the display and image return normally after reseating the battery, document the finding and complete functional verification before returning the unit to service.
5. Replace the Battery Unit With a Known-Good Compatible Battery
Install a known-good compatible McGRATH MAC battery unit or a properly charged compatible rechargeable battery, depending on the facility’s approved battery configuration.
The manufacturer’s troubleshooting instruction for no image shown on screen is to replace the battery unit. Medtronic identifies both disposable and rechargeable battery options for the current McGRATH MAC product line.
Expected outcome: The display powers on and a normal live camera image appears.
If replacing the battery restores normal operation, remove the failed battery from availability according to facility battery-handling procedures, document the correction, and complete device verification before return to service.
6. Evaluate Display, Image, and LED Behavior After Battery Replacement
After installing a known-good battery, document the device response:
- No display and no LED: Suspect unresolved power-button, battery-interface, or internal power failure.
- Display activates but no live image appears: Suspect camera or internal electronics failure.
- LED illuminates but screen remains blank or lacks a usable image: The light source does not confirm that video function is reliable.
- Image cuts in and out during normal handling: Suspect internal connection or component failure.
Expected outcome: A consistently visible, stable camera image is present during basic handling and display positioning.
If video remains unavailable or unstable after a known-good battery is installed, stop troubleshooting and escalate for repair evaluation.
7. Check the Camera Area and Blade Only if the Display Powers On but the View Is Obscured
If the screen is active but the reported “no image” is actually a dark, blocked, or unusable view:
- Remove the disposable blade.
- Observe whether the camera produces a visible image without the blade.
- Inspect the CameraStick tip for residue or contamination.
- Clean the camera surface only according to approved device-cleaning procedures.
- Install a new compatible disposable blade if needed.
This step applies only when the display is powered and producing some video output. It is not the primary correction for a completely blank screen. The manufacturer identifies blade replacement and CameraStick inspection/cleaning for poor image quality, while blank display troubleshooting begins with battery replacement.
Expected outcome: The displayed image becomes clear and usable after removal of an obstructing or defective blade condition.
If the screen remains blank or no live image is produced, proceed to removal from service.
8. Perform a Final External Functional Check if the Issue Is Resolved
Before returning the device to availability:
- Confirm the device powers on normally.
- Confirm a stable image is displayed.
- Confirm the distal LED illuminates appropriately.
- Confirm the battery indicator is present and acceptable.
- Inspect the device and blade interface for damage.
- Ensure the device is cleaned/disinfected according to approved facility and manufacturer procedures.
Expected outcome: The unit provides a stable usable image and is safe for clinical availability.
If the Problem Persists
If the McGRATH MAC still has no display or no usable camera image after inspection, battery reseating, and testing with a known-good compatible battery, common external causes have been ruled out. The problem is likely associated with the power button, battery interface, display, camera system, or internal electronics.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair, vendor evaluation, or replacement according to department procedure.
Do not attempt internal disassembly or board-level troubleshooting. The manufacturer directs unresolved image problems to diagnostics and repair and states that the device is not to be serviced or maintained while in use with a patient.
Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting, especially for an airway visualization device.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot a failed video laryngoscope while it is needed for an active airway procedure. Confirm that clinical staff have an immediately available working alternative before removing the affected McGRATH MAC from use.
Work Order Documentation — CCR Method
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Anesthesia reported that the Medtronic McGRATH MAC powered on with no visible camera image and could not be used for airway visualization."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Unit remained without a usable image after battery reseating and installation of a known-good compatible battery, indicating probable internal display or camera-system failure."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the McGRATH MAC from service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for vendor repair evaluation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Device completely blank or screen powered with no camera image.
- Distal LED illuminated or not illuminated.
- Battery unit reseated.
- Known-good compatible battery installed.
- Battery indicator behavior, if visible.
- Power button condition.
- Display hinge or housing damage.
- CameraStick or blade-interface condition.
- Evidence of moisture, contamination, impact damage, or corrosion.
- Cleaning/disinfection completed before transport, when applicable.
- Final device status: returned to service or removed from service.
Final Thought
A video laryngoscope without a dependable image should be treated as unavailable for patient care until verified functional. Beginning with battery and visible-condition checks is logical, but unresolved display or camera failure requires prompt removal from service, appropriate escalation, and clear documentation.
That is successful troubleshooting.