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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses intermittent image loss caused by power instability, loose connections, damaged cables, component movement, contamination, or system faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Stop Clinical Use and Maintain Airway Visualization
Do not troubleshoot image loss while the device is supporting an airway procedure. Change immediately to another verified visualization method and maintain appropriate backup airway equipment.
Remove the GlideScope system from the active procedure area if the image cannot be trusted.
Expected outcome: Airway management continues without dependence on an unreliable image.
2. Clarify the Reported Image Behavior
Determine whether the display goes completely black, freezes on the last frame, flickers, shows interference, or restarts. Ask whether the failure occurs with movement, on battery power, on AC power, or after a period of use.
Reproduce the issue on the bench using the reported configuration when safe.
Expected outcome: The exact symptom and triggering condition are documented. If the image remains stable through repeated testing, continue inspection before release.
3. Confirm Monitor Power Remains Stable
Observe whether power indicators, screen backlighting, and startup status change when the image disappears. Test using the approved AC source and a sufficiently charged battery when applicable.
Verify the power adapter and charging connection are secure.
Expected outcome: The monitor remains powered while only the live image is interrupted. If the monitor itself loses power, troubleshoot the power system instead.
4. Reseat the Imaging Connections
Power down when appropriate. Disconnect and inspect the camera, baton, handle, and video cable connectors. Remove external debris according to approved cleaning practices and allow all connections to dry fully.
Reconnect each component firmly without forcing it.
Expected outcome: All connections are clean, dry, and fully seated. If image loss no longer occurs, perform final verification and stop troubleshooting.
5. Inspect the Cable During Normal Movement
Examine the cable and strain reliefs for pinching, cuts, tight bends, or looseness. With a live test image, gently move the cable through the same normal range used clinically.
Do not flex damaged areas aggressively or continue testing if conductors may be exposed.
Expected outcome: Normal cable movement does not interrupt the image. If movement causes failure, remove the cable or affected component from service.
6. Verify Secure Imaging-Component Attachment
Confirm the video baton, camera, or handle is assembled and seated correctly with any compatible blade, sleeve, or accessory used by the system.
Check that accessory positioning is not pulling on the imaging component or partially disengaging a connector.
Expected outcome: The imaging component remains mechanically secure throughout normal positioning.
7. Clean and Inspect the Camera Window
Inspect the camera window for residue, moisture, scratches, or contamination that could be interpreted as intermittent image loss. Clean and disinfect only according to approved procedures.
Allow the component to dry completely before retesting.
Expected outcome: The camera window is clean and clear. If image quality remains continuous after cleaning, troubleshooting can stop after final verification.
8. Substitute Known-Good External Components
Test with a known-good approved video cable and then a known-good compatible camera, baton, or handle. Change only one component at a time.
Expected outcome: The issue follows one interchangeable external component or remains with the monitor. Remove any identified defective accessory from service.
9. Check for Environmental Interference or Overheating
Ensure ventilation openings are unobstructed and the system is not exposed to excessive heat, direct fluid spray, or cable routing near equipment that visibly disrupts the image.
Do not assume electromagnetic interference without confirming that the symptom changes when the system is relocated or nearby equipment is removed from the test setup.
Expected outcome: The image remains stable in an appropriate operating environment.
10. Complete Final Functional Verification
Operate the system long enough to cover the reported failure period. Verify startup, component recognition, continuous live video, image clarity, normal movement, battery and AC operation as applicable, and secure cart placement.
Expected outcome: The image remains continuous throughout repeated testing. The device may return to service after all required checks pass.
If the Problem Persists
External causes including power, loose connections, cable movement, accessory attachment, contamination, and interchangeable components have been ruled out. The remaining cause may involve the monitor input, internal imaging electronics, internal power distribution, software, or thermal protection.
Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for qualified repair or bench evaluation. Use appropriate Verathon documentation and approved test equipment. Do not open sealed assemblies or attempt board-level repair without authorization.
Return-to-service testing must reproduce normal clinical movement and duration without image loss. Knowing when to stop is part of safe troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Any image dropout during airway management warrants immediate use of a verified backup visualization method rather than continued manipulation of the failing system.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the GlideScope image repeatedly went blank when the handle was repositioned."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that the video cable connector was partially seated at the monitor."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering reseated and secured the connector, then verified continuous live video during repeated handle and cable movement."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Black, frozen, flickering, or distorted image
- Triggering movement or position
- AC or battery operation
- Power indicators during failure
- Cable and connector condition
- Imaging-component attachment
- Camera-window condition
- Known-good substitutions
- Test duration
- Final device status
Final Thought
Maintain airway safety first, separate image failure from power failure, test connections and external components systematically, verify stability under realistic use, and escalate when the system remains unreliable.
That is successful troubleshooting.