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By Scott Trefny
The GE Vivid/Logiq E9 platform is one of the most widely used platforms in the ultrasound industry. The popularity of these systems has allowed me to provide on-site service and remote technical support for a variety of common issues. Often these problems don’t require a “seasoned” engineer, because the issue can be fixed without tools and completed by the end user or someone with minimal ultrasound experience. While this is just a small sample of common problems, my hope is to educate you with time and cost-saving information.
A common issue that my team and I receive on technical support calls is the “System Overheating” message. The GE Vivid/Logiq E9 platform design places the fan tray assembly below the right side of the system. The fan assembly is covered by wire mesh that filters the fine dust that escapes from a separate filter. This dust collection causes the fans to slow down, which in turn makes the system overheat. Any time there is an overheating issue on a Vivid or Logiq E9 system, cleaning the filters should be your first step.
Start by shutting the system down and then removing the external filter. This filter is located under the system, and is accessed using the handle near the rear right caster. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove the dust from the filter and replace once complete. In the event that the error message continues after cleaning the external filter, dust may be collecting in the fan tray assembly itself. Have a service engineer remove the cosmetic panels and clean the fan tray assembly. If the problem persists, check the fan on the BEP (Back End Processor) on the internal left side of the computer for dust or improper operation.
I visited a local hospital for a service call about a GE Vivid/Logiq E9 operator console not locking in place. This is a common call and is typically due to the operator attempting to forcibly push the top console into place while the unit is powered down, which can cause the calibration to be out of alignment or even damage to the lock. The console lock mechanism, called the X-Y park lock, requires the operator to press a button while the unit is powered up in order to move it back into place where a cylinder gear will grab a “D” shaped hook. Calibration of the X-Y park lock should be performed to reset the cylinder to the original factory location. If the top console still does not properly lock after calibration, physical damage is usually the culprit. At this point, the assembly will need to be replaced.
Providing remote technical support is an important part of my job. I enjoy being able to help someone resolve an issue quickly over the phone, a scenario that has become easier over the past few years as more manufacturers have enabled systems for exporting error logs and reports. These reports can be exported for analysis by qualified service engineers, providing us with a clearer understanding of the failures that the machine is presenting. It also ensures the correct parts are delivered on-site, allowing for less down time. In order to gather error logs on a GE Vivid/Logiq E9 platform system, navigate to the main screen and press “Alt+D” on the keyboard and an error reporting screen will display. You can export to various kinds of removable media, such as a USB drive, CD or DVD based on the system’s configuration. Depending on the current software version, exporting the logs can take a few minutes. Once the logs have been exported to the removable media, forward the logs to a qualified service engineer for interpretation.
As with any ultrasound system or medical device, proper care and maintenance will lengthen the life cycle of your equipment. Regular maintenance is the responsibility of the user and the HTM professional, and includes proper disinfection of the control and operator panels, cleaning or replacing the filters, proper disinfection and storage of the transducers, leakage and safety testing, and reporting any failures or errors with the equipment.
Scott Trefny is an Imaging Service Professional for Avante Ultrasound. For 24/7 Technical Support, call 800-958-9986 or visit www.avantehs.com/ultrasound.
