Thoratec HeartMate III, Instructions For Use Manual, Page: 361 / 458

Alarms and Troubleshooting 7
HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist System Instructions for Use 7-33
Using the Charger to Check Battery or Charger Status
The Battery Charger continually monitors its own performance and that of any battery placed
into a pocket. Actual or potential problems, or "faults," appear as "advisory messages" on the
display panel.
Battery-Related Advisory Messages
If the Battery Charger detects a problem with a battery, such as battery voltage too high or too
low, or open battery circuit, the red light for the pocket comes on and a telephone symbol
appears on the display panel to indicate a battery fault (
Figure 7.6
).
Figure 7.6 Advisory Display in Graphics Mode. Note Red Light for Pocket 1.
Before assuming that the battery is defective, make sure that the connection between the battery
and charging pocket contacts is not blocked by dirt or debris.
T
O CONFIRM A BATTERY FAULT
:
1. Remove the battery. Examine the battery's metal contact and the contact inside the charging
pocket. If there is no dirt, debris, or obstruction, continue to Step 2.
2. Reinsert the battery into the same pocket.
3. If the red light comes on again, insert the battery into a different pocket.
4. If the red light comes on in a second pocket, the battery is defective. Do not use it.
5. Obtain the alarm code for the battery, if possible:
a. Press and hold the number button for this pocket.
The alarm code appears on the screen. The alarm code is one letter followed by four
numbers. Alarm codes related to batteries begin with the letter "B."
b. Record the alarm code and save it for future reference.
6. Remove the defective battery from use.