Stryker Neptune

Asset Type

Surgical Fluid Management System

Manufacturer

Stryker

Model

Neptune

What This Guide Helps With

Use when the Neptune is completely unresponsive, will not remain powered, restarts unexpectedly, or shuts down during normal operation.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Protect the Patient and Maintain Suction

If shutdown occurs during a procedure, immediately provide alternate verified suction or smoke evacuation as required.

Do not continue using a Neptune that unexpectedly loses power while patient care depends on it.

Expected outcome: Clinical functions remain available through alternate equipment before troubleshooting begins.

2. Confirm the Exact Power Failure

Determine whether the Neptune:

• Is completely dead
• Begins startup and shuts down
• Resets intermittently
• Operates on AC but not battery
• Operates on battery but not AC
• Shuts down during movement or use

Record any display activity, indicators, alarms, unusual sounds, heat, or odor.

Expected outcome: The failure mode is clearly defined.

3. Inspect for an Immediate Electrical Hazard

Before reconnecting power, inspect the power cord, plug, rover exterior, and accessible connections for:

• Fluid intrusion
• Burn marks
• Melted components
• Damaged insulation
• Loose hardware
• Unusual odor
• Excessive heat

Expected outcome: No obvious electrical hazard is present. If damage, smoke, burning odor, or significant heat is found, remove the unit from service immediately and do not continue power testing.

4. Verify the Receptacle

Test the wall outlet with approved equipment or use a known-good clinical receptacle.

Avoid power strips or questionable extension arrangements.

Expected outcome: The Neptune is connected directly to a verified source of AC power. If it powers normally on the known-good outlet, investigate the original receptacle separately.

5. Inspect and Reseat the Power Cord

Inspect the power cord and equipment connection for damage or looseness. Reseat detachable connections where applicable.

Use only an approved replacement cord if substitution is appropriate.

Expected outcome: AC power reaches the unit through a secure undamaged cord. If replacing a defective cord restores reliable operation, perform final verification and stop.

6. Check Accessible Power Controls

Verify that the normal power control operates mechanically and is not obstructed, stuck, contaminated, or physically damaged.

Do not open the control panel or access internal power components.

Expected outcome: The external power control actuates normally.

7. Compare AC and Battery Operation

In a controlled nonclinical setting, determine whether the Neptune behaves differently on verified AC power and battery power.

Observe whether removing or applying AC causes a reset or shutdown.

Expected outcome: The failure can be associated with AC input, battery operation, or both. Stable operation in all required modes is necessary before return to service.

8. Check Ventilation and Environment

Inspect external ventilation openings for blockage and verify the unit is not operating in an unusually hot environment or positioned so airflow is restricted.

Do not disassemble internal cooling components.

Expected outcome: External airflow is unobstructed and environmental conditions do not explain the shutdown.

9. Perform a Controlled Functional Test

Power the Neptune from a known-good source and allow it to complete normal startup. Exercise normal external functions appropriate to a nonclinical test while observing for resets, flickering indicators, unusual noise, or shutdown.

Expected outcome: The unit remains powered and stable. If the original external cause has been corrected and operation remains normal, troubleshooting can stop.

10. Escalate Any Unexplained Shutdown

If the Neptune remains dead, repeatedly resets, shuts down under normal use, or has unstable AC/battery transitions after external causes are ruled out, stop troubleshooting.

Expected outcome: The rover is removed from clinical service and referred for qualified power-system evaluation.

If the Problem Persists

Common external causes such as an unpowered outlet, damaged power cord, loose connection, blocked ventilation, and obvious environmental problems have been ruled out.

The remaining issue may involve the battery, charging system, internal power supply, power distribution, control electronics, thermal protection, internal connections, or another service-level problem.

The device should be:

• Removed from service.
• Labeled Out of Service.
• Sent for repair or bench evaluation.
• Evaluated using appropriate Stryker documentation and approved test equipment.
• Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel.

After repair, complete applicable electrical safety and full functional testing before return to service. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Any unexplained power loss during suction use is sufficient reason to exchange the Neptune and investigate it away from the patient.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"OR staff reported that the Neptune unexpectedly lost power during setup and would not restart."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the AC power cord was not fully seated at the equipment connection."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Reseated and secured the power connection, verified repeated startup and stable AC and battery operation, and returned the unit to service after functional testing."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Whether the unit was completely dead or shutting down
• AC or battery operation when failure occurred
• Outlet test result
• Power cord and plug condition
• Startup behavior
• Battery indicator behavior
• Unusual heat, odor, or noise
• Whether movement affected power
• Results of controlled functional testing
• Final device status

Final Thought

Unexpected power loss can interrupt critical suction and should never be dismissed as intermittent. Verify the outlet, cord, power controls, battery behavior, ventilation, and environment first, then remove the unit from service if stable operation cannot be demonstrated.

That is successful troubleshooting.