V Series Operating Instructions 9 - 37
ECG – Arrhythmia ECG-Arrhythmia Troubleshooting
9.10 ECG-Arrhythmia Troubleshooting
The Arrhythmia tile ECG waveform area displays messages indicating the current state of the
Arrhythmia and ECG parameter. If there is more than one message to display, the messages scroll.
MESSAGE/PROBLEM REASON SOLUTION
Noisy ECG traces Loose or dry electrodes. Apply fresh, moist electrodes.
Defective electrode wires. Replace wires as necessary.
Patient cable or leads are routed
too close to other electrical
devices.
Eliminate 50-60 Hz interference.
Excessive Electro-surgical
Interference
Wrong ECG cable used. Use ESIS ECG cable with internal
filter block.
NOTE: Respiration monitoring via
the ECG electrodes will not be
available when using the cable.
Muscle Noise Inadequate skin preparation prior
to application of electrode,
tremors, tense subject, and/or
poor electrode placement.
Repeat skin preparation and
electrode location procedures.
Apply fresh, moist electrodes.
Avoid areas of the torso that are
very muscular.
Intermittent Signal Connections not tight and/or
properly secured.
Ensure proper connection.
(Electrode to lead, lead to cable,
cable to monitor).
Electrodes dry or loose. Re-prep skin and apply fresh, moist
electrodes.
Cable or lead wires damaged. Change cable and lead wires.
Excessive alarms: heart rate, lead
fault
Electrodes dry. Re-prep skin and apply fresh, moist
electrodes.
Alarm limits set too close to
patient's normal heart rate.
Readjust.
R-wave wrong size. Must have a higher amplitude
than the other ECG waves, like the
P and T waves.
Excessive patient movement or
muscle tremor.
Reposition electrodes and secure
with tape, if necessary.
Low Amplitude ECG Signal Gain set too low. Readjust as required -
(Set via the Waveforms tab).
Electrodes dry / old. Apply fresh, moist electrodes.
Skin improperly prepared. Abrade skin.
This could be the patient’s normal
QRS complex.
Verify with a 12-lead electro-
cardiogram.
Electrode could be positioned
over a bone or muscle mass.
Move ECG patches away from the
bone or muscle mass.
No ECG Waveform Gain set too low. Readjust as required.
Lead wires and patient cable not
fully or properly inserted.
Check for proper insertion.
Cable or lead wires damaged. Change cable and lead wires.