A-10 Cardiolab® II Plus Amplifier Manual 2002938-002E
Appendix A – Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Ensure that you are not placing the CIM in sterile bags and pushing
the catheters through the bag into the poles. This plastic can become
lodged in the junction box and create problems.
Catheters with long pins (1/2 inch) normally produce less artifact
than catheters with short pins. This is due to the long pins’ deep
penetration into the CIM.
Replace the stim cable.
Cannot Stimulate the Patient
Ensure that the stimulator input cable is connected to the front of
the amplifier and the opposite end is connected to the appropriate
poles on the stimulator.
Ensure that the appropriate stim enable button at the top of the
Real-Time window in the CardioLab application is turned on (red).
Check the study configuration to ensure that the stimulus is set to go
to the correct catheter.
Check to make sure the stimulator is working properly. Bypass the
amplifier by connecting the distal poles of the catheter to the
stimulus poles at the bottom of the catheter input module. These
poles are directly wired from the front of the amplifier.
If you are still unable to pace, connect the distal poles of the catheter
directly to the stimulator, bypassing the amp. If you still cannot pace,
the problem is not with the CardioLab equipment and most likely
lies with the stimulator or catheter. Check the output of the
stimulator with a multi-meter or oscilloscope.
General Hints to Reduce Noise in a Typical EP Lab
Good grounding is key. All equipment which is connected to the
patient should be connected to the same electrical circuit (not the
same outlet), if possible. By connecting all of the equipment to the
same circuit, it is possible to prevent "grounding loops" from
occurring which can cause noise.
Any light fixtures or other antenna-like devices above or around the
bed can be connected to the same circuit mentioned above.
If possible, labs should not be positioned next to elevator generators,
or any other power generators. Other major pieces of noise emitting
equipment include MRI systems, etc.
For ultimate noise protection, the lab can be enclosed in a "Faraday
Cage". This involves enclosing the lab in a metal box which is then
grounded. While this is expensive, it is quite effective.
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