4400_0060
enFlow Service Manual Rev. F 04/12
Page 16 of 36
enFlow Troubleshooting
Electromagnetic Interference
ECG, EEG or EMG (cardiac or neuro monitoring)
artifact or other interference caused by the enFlow is
an uncommon event.
Cardiac or neuro monitoring interference is common and well documented in the medical literature.
There are published suggestions to reduce or eliminate the interference which should be employed.
“Interference of the monitored or recorded electrocardiogram is common within operating room and intensive care unit
environments.”
1
The
enFlow
®
IV Fluid / Blood Warmer System as with all electrical devices can be associated
with some electromagnetic interference (EMI), however, it has been uncommon and inconsistently
experienced, even within accounts reporting the issue.
On previous occasions when interference has been reported, we have frequently been successful in
resolving the issue using common troubleshooting suggestions. Please review each and be prepared to
implement them should an account voice a concern.
Interference Confirmation
Turn the unit off.
Turn the power supply on the back of the Controller/AC Power Pack to the OFF position. Reassess the
inference. Knowing that cardiac or neuro monitoring is being affected determine if the interference adversely
affects your ability to care for the patient. Consider attempting to reduce the level of interference by
employing some simple and readily available solutions.
Interference Reductions
Check the monitoring pads
All monitoring pads should be full adhered to the patient’s properly prepared skin. Please confirm that the
pad’s foam insulator is not curled up, peeled back or otherwise exposing the conductive gel layer. Confirm
that the leadwires’ connectors are properly and fully attached. Consider reapplying monitoring electrodes if
there is any suspicion they have become dried out
Confirm the patient is properly grounded.
In many cases, and in all cases using mono-polar or bi-phase cautery a grounding pad should present and
applied according to the manufacturers instructions. As previously suggested confirm the ground pad is fully
adhered to a properly prepared skin surface.
Confirm the enFlow and the ECG monitor are plugged into different outlets
There are two reasons for this action. It is possible that the two systems are in an electrical phase related
conflict and it is getting expressed on the monitor. Secondly, it is possible that the outlets are not properly
grounded or grounded in different locations. While rare it can be the case and outwardly there would be no
way to tell not even on most other equipment in use.
Confirm the warmer cord is not entwined or near the ECG lead cable.
Separating the two cords will allow each ones shielding to work to its full potential.
Confirm the monitoring cables and lead wires are in proper working order
The insulating layer on lead wires and cables degrades over time and with use. Please confirm that the
insulation is intact and operates at its stated specifications.
Review the monitor’s notch filter.
Check to ensure that the monitoring systems frequency filter is set appropriately.
Determine the monitor’s sensitivity setting.
Many physiological monitors have the ability to interpret electrical signals in two distinct modes: a highly
1
Patel, Santosh I. M.D., F.R.C.A. and . Souter, Michael J, M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.A.;
Equipment-related Electrocardiographic Artifacts,
Causes, Characteristics, Consequences, and Correction
; Anesthesiology 2008; 108:138
–
48.
