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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Identifies causes when video displays distortions, flickering, lines, or overall degraded image quality, affecting procedural visualization.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Confirm no patient is actively undergoing a procedure. Move the patient to a backup camera to avoid compromising care.
Inspect Camera Head and Lens
- Check for smudges, debris, moisture, or scratches on the lens. Clean with approved lens wipes. Artifacts often originate from external lens contamination.
Verify Cable Connections
- Disconnect and reconnect all camera and light cables. Poor connections can cause intermittent signal loss or visual artifacts.
Test with Alternate Camera Head
- Swap the camera head with a known working unit. If artifact disappears, the original head may be faulty.
Check Light Source and Fiber Optics
- Inspect the light cable for kinks, frays, or damage. Poor illumination can create uneven image quality. Swap with a working light cable if needed.
Adjust Console Settings
- Verify white balance, gain, brightness, and sharpness settings are correct. Incorrect settings can produce unnatural color, noise, or ghosting artifacts.
Power Cycle the System
- Turn off the camera system, wait 30 seconds, then power back on. Temporary software glitches can cause image anomalies.
Test on Different Monitor or Display
- Connect the system to another OR monitor to rule out display device issues. Persistent artifacts on multiple displays indicate source problem.
If the Problem Persists
External causes have been ruled out. The issue may be internal (camera sensor, processor board). Remove from service, label Out of Service, and send for repair. Avoid further use to protect patient safety.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot on an active patient. Always ensure a functional backup system is available to maintain procedural safety.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"OR staff reported flickering lines and distorted colors during procedures."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Lens contamination and a frayed light cable were found during inspection."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Lens cleaned and light cable replaced; image quality restored and system returned to service."
Helpful Details to Include
- Lens condition
- Cable condition
- Light source output
- Monitor used
- Console settings checked
- Any unusual noises or heat
Final Thought
Prioritize patient safety and follow a logical troubleshooting sequence from simple to complex. Document all findings clearly. Escalate to repair only when external causes are eliminated.
That is successful troubleshooting.