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What This Guide Helps With
No video output on monitor due to connection, power, input selection, or accessory issues in the endoscopic imaging chain.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- If the system is in use, stop the procedure and transition to a backup imaging system.
- Expected: Patient care continues safely without delay
- Why it matters: Loss of visualization directly impacts procedural safety
Verify the Reported Issue
- Confirm there is no image on the monitor.
- Observe:
- Is the screen completely black, blue, or showing “No Signal”?
- Is the system powered on?
- Are any error messages present?
- Expected: Clear confirmation of no video output
- Why it matters: Helps determine if this is signal loss vs display issue
Check Monitor Power and Input Selection (Most Common Cause)
- Verify the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input.
- Confirm monitor power light is on
- Cycle through input sources (HDMI, DVI, SDI, etc.)
- Ensure correct input matches the video cable connection
- Expected: Image appears once correct input is selected
- Why it matters: Incorrect input is a frequent OR setup issue
Inspect Video Cable Connections
- Check all video cables between the EVIS system and monitor.
- Reseat both ends of video cables
- Look for loose, damaged, or bent connectors
- Confirm secure connection at processor/light source output
- Expected: Stable image if connection was loose
- Why it matters: Video signal loss is often due to poor connections
Verify Camera Head and Scope Connection
- Inspect connections between the camera head, scope, and processor.
- Disconnect and reconnect camera head
- Ensure scope is fully seated and locked
- Inspect connectors for contamination or damage
- Expected: Image returns if connection was incomplete
- Why it matters: The system will not output video without a valid camera signal
Check Light Source Functionality
- Confirm the light source is functioning.
- Verify light source is powered on
- Check brightness level
- Look into the scope (off-patient) for visible illumination
- Expected: Bright light output from scope
- Why it matters: No light can appear as “no image” on screen
Power Cycle the System
- Restart the EVIS system components.
- Power off processor, light source, and monitor
- Wait 30 seconds
- Power back on in sequence (monitor → processor → light source)
- Expected: System reinitializes and restores video
- Why it matters: Clears temporary communication or boot issues
Swap Known Good Components (Isolation Step)
- Use known working accessories to isolate the issue.
- Try a different monitor
- Swap video cable
- Use a different camera head if available
- Expected: Identification of faulty component
- Why it matters: Confirms whether issue is external vs system-related
If the Problem Persists
If all external connections, accessories, and settings have been verified and no image is present, the issue is likely internal (video processing board, output port, or system hardware failure).
Remove the system from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and wasted troubleshooting time.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot imaging systems during an active procedure. Always transition to a backup tower before beginning troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"No image displayed on monitor during endoscopy procedure."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Loose HDMI cable connection between processor and monitor."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Reseated cable and verified proper input selection; image restored."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Monitor input verified and cycled
- Video cables reseated or replaced
- Camera head connection checked
- Light source operation confirmed
- No unusual sounds, heat, or alarms noted
- Final device status (returned to service or sent for repair)
Final Thought
Loss of video in an endoscopic system is often caused by simple external issues like input selection or loose connections. Always start with the full signal chain before assuming internal failure. Prioritize patient safety, isolate components logically, and document findings clearly.
That is successful troubleshooting.