Section
AirWave System Operator’s Manual
45
I. Troubleshooting
1. Error Messages
When the AirWave system signals an alarm or experiences a failure, it displays informational/error messages to
assist the user in pinpointing the cause of the problem and determining how to resolve it. The table below lists
system alarms and failures modes, the associated system message (if applicable), if the alarm/failure mode is
associated with an audible alarm, and the recommended user action. If the user action doesn’t remedy the
problem, please contact SonarMed technical support for assistance.
Table I-1
System Message
Alarm
Description
User Action
Calibration/Monitoring Messages and Alarms
Unable to Calibrate
The AirWave cannot obtain a proper
calibration signal.
Follow the on-screen prompts to correct the
condition causing the failure. If failure
persists, replace the AirWave Sensor.
ETT Too Low
1
The ETT tip has migrated low in the trachea
beyond the “ETT Movement – Low” alarm
threshold.
Verify condition using alternate airway
management techniques; error will clear
when condition is corrected.
ETT Too High
1
The ETT tip has migrated high in the trachea
beyond the “ETT Movement – High” alarm
threshold.
Verify condition using alternate airway
management techniques; error will clear
when condition is corrected.
Obstruction Detected
1
An obstruction in the ETT has exceeded the
“ETT Obstruction – High” alarm threshold
Verify condition using alternate airway
management techniques; error will clear
when condition is corrected.
Small Passageway (
Prior to
setting baseline)
2
The ETT is in a passageway smaller than
the ETT ID. This alarm is intended for use
during intubation to provide feedback if the
ETT tip is placed in a small passageway
such as the esophagus.
Verify condition using alternate airway
management techniques; error will clear
when condition is corrected.
Small Passageway (
After
setting baseline
)
1
The ETT is in a passage smaller than the
“Passageway Size – Low” alarm threshold.
Verify condition using alternate airway
management techniques; error will clear
when condition is corrected.
Large Passageway
1
The ETT is in a passage larger than the
“Passageway Size – High” alarm threshold
Verify condition using alternate airway
management techniques; error will clear
when condition is corrected.
Analyzing…
This message displays routinely as the
Monitor is waiting to receive a clean
microphone signal (i.e. between breaths)
None required
An Alarm is Off
At least one of the AirWave monitoring
alarms is disabled.
Re-enable the alarms in the
Alarm Settings
Screen
or cycle the Monitor power.
Sensor Cable Disconnect
3
AirWave Sensor cable is disconnected from
Monitor or Sensor during patient monitoring.
Reconnect Sensor cable to Monitor or
Sensor.
ETT Disconnected
The ETT is disconnected from the AirWave
Sensor.
Reconnect the ETT.
Excessive Noise
Excessive noise detected in microphone
signals which is preventing collection of data.
It is normal for this message to be displayed
occasionally. If it occurs continuously for
more than one minute then the Monitor is
unable to collect data. This is most likely
due to excessive ventilator noise, high
ventilation rates, or excessive secretions in
the airway. Refer to
Section 0.10
information.
To determine the noise source, listen to the
microphone signals via the
Monitor
AirWave Microphones
option in the
Main
Menu Screen
(see
Section G.3.c)
. If the
source is identified, attempt to reduce the
noise level from the source. If this is not
feasible, then monitoring on this patient may
not be possible.
Poor Signal Quality
The airway echo amplitude is insufficient for
accurate tracking. It is normal for this error
to occur occasionally for a few seconds.
WARNING!
While this error is present,
the ETT movement indicator may provide
inaccurate readings.
It is possible that a small percentage of
patients may exhibit an airway echo of
inadequate amplitude that the system may
have difficulty tracking accurately. In these
patients, it may be necessary to turn off the
ETT position tracking alarm.
Microphone Monitor On
The system is broadcasting the microphone
signals directly over the Monitor speaker.
Patient monitoring is disabled while this
message is on.
Exit
Monitor AirWave Microphones
Screen
.
