Battery Fuel Gauge
The HeartMate II System Controller has a set of indicator lights, collectively called
the Battery Fuel Gauge . The Battery Fuel Gauge provides an approximate measure
of available battery power. More lights indicate more battery power; fewer lights
indicate less battery power (see
Table 2
below).
To activate the Battery Fuel Gauge, press and hold the Silence Alarm button on the
System Controller keypad. Batteries should be changed when the battery fuel gauge
indicates 25% of power remains (one green light).
Battery Advisories and Alarms
Yellow Battery Advisory
An illuminated YELLOW BATTERY symbol accompanied by a BEEP every four
seconds means that less than 15 minutes of battery power remains.
Action
: Change batteries or switch to alternate power source (ie, PBU or EPP).
Red Battery Alarm
An illuminated RED BATTERY symbol and CONTINUOUS AUDIO TONE means
that less than 5 minutes of battery power remains. When this condition arises,
the LVAD automatically defaults to Power Saver Mode, gradually decreasing the
pump speed to 8,000 rpm. If, however, the previously selected speed is lower
than 8,000 rpm, the pump will remain at the low speed setting.
Note
: Patient's
may become symptomatic due to the drop in pump speed. The LVAS will remain
in Power Saver Mode until fully-charged batteries are installed, the PBU is con-
nected, or until no further power remains. Therefore, the RED BATTERY hazard
alarm prompts for an immediate response; an alternate power source must be
initiated. When the alarm condition clears, the LVAD will revert to the previous
fixed speed.
CLINICAL OPERATION AND PATIENT MANAGEMENT
17
Battery Fuel Gauge
Meaning
Response
75-100% of battery
power remains.
No action needed.
50-75% of battery
power remains.
No action needed.
25-50% of battery
power remains.
No action needed.
Less than 25% of bat-
tery power remains.
Replace depleted bat-
teries with fully-charged
set or switch to PBU.
4 Green Lights
3 Green Lights
2 Green Lights
1 Green Light
Table 2
Battery Fuel Gauge Summary
