On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where the WATO EX Series anesthesia machine:
- Does not respond to touchscreen input
- Shows intermittent or erratic UI behavior
- Freezes or displays unregistered commands
- Exhibits delayed or lagging response to user input
Focus is on external, easily verifiable causes first—such as power, connections, and environmental factors—before considering internal electronics.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Power Source
- Ensure the machine is properly plugged into a grounded outlet.
- Check the main power switch and any secondary power buttons.
Why: Fluctuating or insufficient power can cause touchscreen malfunctions.
Inspect Cables and Connections
- Check all external connections, including USB or auxiliary interfaces, for loose or damaged cables.
- Disconnect unnecessary peripherals to isolate the issue.
Why: Faulty connections can interfere with the touchscreen interface.
Check for Contamination or Obstructions
- Inspect the touchscreen for dirt, liquids, or residue that may prevent proper touch response.
- Clean gently with manufacturer-approved wipes.
Why: Surface contaminants can block capacitive or resistive touch sensors.
Restart the Machine
- Perform a controlled shutdown and restart.
- Observe whether the touchscreen responds after booting.
Why: Software glitches can often be resolved with a simple reboot.
Verify Environmental Conditions
- Ensure room temperature and humidity are within operational specifications.
- Avoid direct sunlight or strong electromagnetic interference near the touchscreen.
Why: Extreme conditions can degrade touchscreen sensitivity.
Check Software Version and Updates
- Verify that the device is running the latest software/firmware version.
- Apply updates according to Mindray procedures if accessible.
Why: Older firmware can lead to UI instability or unresponsiveness.
If the Problem Persists
External causes have been ruled out. The touchscreen hardware or internal control board may be faulty.
- Remove the machine from service.
- Label it “Out of Service.”
- Send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop is a key part of proper troubleshooting and ensures patient safety.
Clinical Use Tip
- Never troubleshoot the touchscreen while a patient is actively on the machine.
- Move the patient to a backup anesthesia device before performing any troubleshooting.
- Always confirm alarms and patient monitoring are functional on an alternative device first.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Touchscreen intermittently unresponsive and lagging during use.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Observed touchscreen unresponsive after verifying power, connections, and environmental conditions. No visible damage or contamination.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
Restarted the machine; issue persisted. Device removed from service and sent to repair.
Helpful Details to Include
- Power outlet tested and verified
- All cables and peripherals disconnected and reconnected
- Machine rebooted multiple times
- Environmental conditions checked
- Observed touchscreen behavior (freeze, lag, erratic response)
- Final device status: Out of service
Final Thought
Clinical Engineering troubleshooting relies on logical, stepwise evaluation, focusing first on simple, verifiable external factors. Escalation to repair is not a failure—it protects patient safety and preserves device integrity. Proper CCR documentation ensures traceability and supports future troubleshooting.
That is successful troubleshooting.