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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting AutoCAT battery backup, charging, low runtime, or power transfer issues from external power or battery-related causes.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
Confirm whether the AutoCAT is actively supporting a patient.
If the pump is in clinical use and battery backup is unreliable, notify clinical staff immediately and ensure the pump remains connected to verified AC power.
If transport or battery operation is required, have clinical staff move the patient to another verified IABP before relying on the suspect unit.
Expected outcome: Patient support is maintained without depending on an unreliable backup battery.
Verify the Reported Battery Backup Problem
Clarify the exact complaint reported by staff.
Check whether the issue is:
- Battery will not charge
- Battery runtime is short
- Pump shuts down when unplugged from AC
- Low battery alarm occurs quickly
- Battery indicator does not show charging
- Pump loses power during movement or transport
- Battery backup does not engage during AC power loss
Expected outcome: The failure mode is clearly identified before parts or internal failure are assumed.
Connect to a Known Good AC Outlet
Plug the AutoCAT into a verified hospital-grade AC outlet.
Avoid using questionable power strips, extension cords, loose outlets, or emergency outlets that have not been verified.
Confirm the AC power indicator or charging indication is present.
Expected outcome: The device recognizes AC power and begins or maintains charging.
If the unit charges normally on a known good outlet, the original outlet or power source was likely the issue. Stop and document.
Inspect the Power Cord
Examine the AC power cord for cuts, crushed insulation, bent blades, loose strain relief, damaged connectors, or signs of overheating.
Confirm the cord seats firmly at the device and wall outlet.
Expected outcome: The power cord is intact and maintains a stable AC connection.
If the cord is damaged or loose, replace it with an approved compatible cord and retest. If resolved, stop and document.
Check for Intermittent AC Power Loss
With the unit connected to AC, gently move the power cord near the wall plug and device inlet without stressing the connection.
Watch for flickering AC indicators, charging interruptions, alarms, or power dropouts.
Expected outcome: AC power remains stable during normal cord movement.
If power drops out when the cord or inlet is moved, remove the device from service for bench evaluation.
Allow Adequate Charging Time
Leave the AutoCAT connected to verified AC power long enough for the battery to recover from a low-charge condition.
Check whether the charging indicator, battery status display, or battery-related alarm changes over time.
Expected outcome: Battery status improves after charging.
If the battery remains low after adequate charging time, continue troubleshooting.
Check the Battery Status Indicator or Alarm Message
Review the battery indicator, alarm, or status message displayed on the AutoCAT.
Note whether the device reports low battery, battery failure, charger issue, or loss of backup power.
Expected outcome: The battery condition is confirmed and documented clearly.
If the device provides a battery failure indication, do not rely on battery operation.
Test Battery Transfer Only When Safe
Only perform a battery transfer check when the device is not connected to a patient and the test will not interrupt clinical care.
With the device powered on and connected to AC, briefly remove AC power according to facility-safe testing practice and observe whether the unit remains powered on.
Expected outcome: The AutoCAT continues operating on battery backup without shutting down or alarming unexpectedly.
If the unit shuts down, resets, or immediately alarms low battery, reconnect AC power and remove the unit from service.
Check Battery Runtime Behavior
If facility procedure allows, observe the unit on battery power long enough to confirm whether runtime is reasonable for the reported complaint.
Do not perform extended runtime testing on a device needed for patient care.
Expected outcome: Battery runtime is stable enough for expected backup use.
If runtime drops rapidly or the battery indicator falls unusually fast, the battery or charging system requires bench evaluation.
Inspect for Heat, Odor, or Physical Battery Concerns
Check the device exterior for unusual heat, burning smell, swelling, leakage, discoloration, or abnormal sounds.
Expected outcome: No physical signs of battery or power system distress are present.
If heat, odor, swelling, smoke, or leakage is found, disconnect from use if safe, follow facility battery safety procedures, label the device Out of Service, and escalate immediately.
Confirm the Issue Is Not Related to Recent Storage
Ask whether the AutoCAT was stored unplugged, unused for an extended period, or recently returned from transport.
A deeply discharged battery may appear as a backup failure until charged and evaluated.
Expected outcome: Storage-related discharge is considered before internal failure is assumed.
If the battery does not recover after charging, remove the unit from service for battery or charger evaluation.
Perform a Final Operational Check on AC Power
After external checks, reconnect the unit to verified AC power and confirm it powers on normally, recognizes AC, and does not show battery backup alarms.
Expected outcome: The unit is safe for AC-powered operation only if battery backup is not required and facility policy allows.
If battery backup remains questionable, do not return the device to service for clinical use.
If the Problem Persists
If the AutoCAT still will not charge, loses power when unplugged, has short runtime, or displays battery backup alarms after external power and cord checks, common external causes have been ruled out.
The issue is likely related to the battery pack, charger circuit, internal power supply, power inlet, or battery monitoring system.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. An IABP with unreliable backup power should not be used for transport or patient support until the battery system has been evaluated and verified.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not troubleshoot battery backup on an active patient unless clinical staff confirm it is safe and the pump remains on verified AC power. If battery operation is needed for transport, move the patient to another verified IABP before relying on the suspect AutoCAT.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the Teleflex AutoCAT lost power immediately when unplugged from AC and would not maintain battery backup."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Verified AC outlet and power cord were functional, but the AutoCAT failed battery transfer testing and displayed low battery behavior after charging."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the AutoCAT from service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for bench evaluation of the battery and charging system."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet tested and result
- Power cord condition
- AC power indicator status
- Battery indicator or alarm message
- Whether the unit shut down when unplugged
- Approximate battery runtime observed
- Whether the device was recently stored unplugged
- Any unusual heat, smell, swelling, or noise
- Whether a backup IABP was provided
- Final device status
Final Thought
Battery backup problems on an intra-aortic balloon pump are patient safety issues, not convenience issues. Start with the outlet, cord, charging status, and transfer behavior before assuming internal failure. If the battery cannot be trusted, remove the AutoCAT from service and document the complaint, cause, and resolution clearly.
That is successful troubleshooting.