Teleflex AutoCAT 2

Battery or AC Power Issue

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Asset Type

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump

Manufacturer

Teleflex

Model

AutoCAT 2

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting AutoCAT 2 AC power loss, battery charging failure, short runtime, or power transition problems from external causes.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

Confirm whether the AutoCAT 2 is connected to or supporting an active patient.

If the pump is in use and AC or battery power is unreliable, notify clinical staff immediately and ensure alternate IABP support is available.

Expected outcome: Patient support is maintained without relying on a pump with questionable power reliability.

If the device is actively supporting a patient, do not perform extended troubleshooting unless clinical staff confirm it is safe.

Verify the Reported Power Problem

Clarify the exact complaint with clinical staff.

Common reports may include:

Expected outcome: The failure mode is clearly identified before parts or accessories are blamed.

Check the AC Outlet First

Plug the AutoCAT 2 into a known good hospital-grade AC outlet.

Avoid using power strips, extension cords, damaged outlets, or emergency power outlets that have not been verified.

Expected outcome: The pump recognizes AC power and the AC/power indicator behaves normally.

If the device operates normally on a known good outlet, stop troubleshooting and document the outlet or power source issue.

Inspect the Power Cord

Inspect the AC power cord from the wall plug to the pump connection.

Look for:

Expected outcome: The cord is secure, undamaged, and does not cause intermittent power loss.

If the cord is damaged or questionable, remove it from use and test with an approved replacement cord if available.

Confirm the Power Cord Is Fully Seated

Verify the power cord is firmly connected to the AutoCAT 2 power inlet.

Gently check for looseness without stressing the connector.

Expected outcome: The power connection remains stable and the device does not lose AC power when the cord is lightly moved.

If reseating the cord resolves the issue, stop and document the loose connection.

Check for Facility Power Issues

Ask whether other equipment on the same outlet or circuit has had power problems.

Test the outlet using the facility-approved outlet tester or request Facilities support if the receptacle appears loose, damaged, or unreliable.

Expected outcome: The facility power source is confirmed safe and stable.

If the outlet fails testing, remove the pump from that power source and document the facility power issue.

Allow the Battery to Charge on Verified AC Power

Connect the AutoCAT 2 to verified AC power and allow time for charging.

Observe whether the battery charge indicator changes or whether a battery charging message appears.

Expected outcome: The pump recognizes AC power and shows normal charging behavior.

If the battery was deeply discharged, allow a reasonable charge period before judging runtime.

Check Battery Runtime Only When Safe

After charging, test battery operation only on a non-patient-use device.

Disconnect AC power briefly and observe whether the pump remains powered, alarms appropriately, and transitions to battery operation.

Expected outcome: The device remains powered without shutting down or restarting.

If the pump shuts down immediately, drops power, or cannot maintain battery operation, stop troubleshooting and remove the device from service.

Check for Battery Age or Maintenance History

Review the equipment history for recent battery replacement, repeated runtime complaints, failed PM checks, or prior power-related repairs.

Expected outcome: Battery performance history helps determine whether the issue is recurring or newly reported.

If the battery has repeated poor runtime or fails operational checks after proper charging, escalate for battery evaluation or replacement per facility procedure.

Inspect for Physical Damage or Environmental Clues

Check the AutoCAT 2 for signs of impact, liquid intrusion, unusual smell, unusual heat, cracked housing, or damaged power inlet area.

Expected outcome: No external damage or unsafe condition is present.

If heat, burning smell, liquid exposure, or damaged power inlet hardware is found, do not continue testing. Remove the pump from service immediately.

Perform a Basic Functional Power Check

With the device on verified AC power, confirm that the pump powers on normally and completes normal startup behavior as allowed by facility procedure.

Then confirm the device remains powered when the cord is stationary and does not lose power with normal positioning.

Expected outcome: The AutoCAT 2 powers on reliably and remains stable on AC power.

If the pump has intermittent power loss, abnormal alarms, startup failure, or unstable charging behavior, remove it from service.

Do Not Assume Internal Failure Too Early

Before escalating, confirm that these external causes have been checked:

Expected outcome: Common external causes have been ruled out before repair escalation.

If the Problem Persists

If the AutoCAT 2 still has AC power loss, battery charging failure, short runtime, power dropout, or unstable transition between AC and battery after external checks, the issue is likely internal to the battery, charging circuit, power supply, power inlet, or related control circuitry.

Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair or bench evaluation.

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. An intra-aortic balloon pump with unreliable power should not be returned to clinical use until the power system is verified safe and dependable.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot battery or AC power problems on an active patient unless clinical staff confirm the patient is safe and alternate support is available. For an IABP, loss of power can directly interrupt therapy, so patient support must come before equipment testing.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Clinical staff reported the Teleflex AutoCAT 2 displayed a low battery alarm and shut down when unplugged from AC power."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Verified AC outlet and power cord were functional, but the pump failed to maintain operation on battery after charging."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed the AutoCAT 2 from service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for battery and power system bench evaluation."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Final Thought

Power issues on an intra-aortic balloon pump should be handled conservatively. Start with the outlet, cord, connection, and charge state, but do not keep troubleshooting once power reliability is questionable. Patient safety, logical isolation of external causes, timely escalation, and clear CCR documentation all matter.

That is successful troubleshooting.

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