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What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where the ACUSON Sequoia produces poor image quality, streaking, shadowing, or other imaging artifacts. It focuses on simple, external checks before considering internal failure or service. Common presentations include:
- Fuzzy, grainy, or low-contrast images
- Black lines, streaks, or dropout in the image
- Shadows or unexpected bright/dark spots
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Confirm the Probe Selection and Connection
- Ensure the correct probe is selected in the system.
- Check that the probe is fully seated in the connector and locked.
Why: Loose connections can cause intermittent signals or artifacts.
Inspect the Probe and Cable
- Visually check for cracks, bent pins, or frayed cables.
- Swap with a known-good probe if available to see if the issue persists.
Why: Damaged probes are a frequent source of poor image quality.
Check the Imaging Settings
- Confirm the preset, depth, gain, and focus settings match the exam type.
- Reset to default imaging settings to rule out user-adjusted parameters.
Why: Incorrect settings can mimic hardware artifacts.
Verify the System Display and Monitor
- Ensure the monitor or display connections are secure.
- Check brightness, contrast, and monitor calibration.
Why: Display issues can appear as image artifacts.
Power Cycle the System
- Turn off the system completely, wait 30 seconds, and restart.
Why: Temporary software or memory glitches can cause artifacts.
Check Environmental and External Factors
- Ensure the patient area is free from strong electromagnetic interference.
- Check for nearby devices like cautery units or mobile phones.
Why: External interference can affect image acquisition.
If the Problem Persists
If external causes have been ruled out and image artifacts remain, the issue is likely internal (system board, processing module, or probe fault).
- Remove the system from clinical use.
- Label as Out of Service.
- Send for vendor repair or bench evaluation.
Properly stopping at this point prevents patient risk and avoids unnecessary component damage.
Clinical Use Tip
- Do not scan patients with persistent artifact issues; move the patient to a different, functioning ultrasound system.
- Only troubleshoot when the system is not actively in use to ensure patient safety.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Images are fuzzy with intermittent streaks; probe appears connected but artifacts persist.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Observed that the image artifact persisted with multiple probes and after adjusting settings; display and cable connections verified; external interference ruled out.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
System removed from service, labeled Out of Service, sent to Siemens Healthineers for bench evaluation.
Helpful Details to Include
- Probe types tested and serial numbers
- Image presets and settings used during testing
- Any error messages displayed
- Power cycles attempted and results
- Environmental factors checked
Final Thought
Logical, stepwise troubleshooting protects patients and preserves equipment integrity. Always start with external and easily verifiable causes, and escalate appropriately. Detailed CCR documentation ensures accountability and aids future troubleshooting.
That is successful troubleshooting.