Anesthesia Troubleshooting

Probable Cause Correction
Absorber canister Make sure gasket surfaces are clean and free of absorbent granules.
VME Models Only - Check tightness of absorber canister knob, verify no absorbent granules are in threaded hole.
VMS and VMC Models Only - Verify absorber levers are in closed position.
Refer to:Absorber Canister
Breathing bag, breathing circuit, or hoses not sealing or have a hole Check breathing bag, breathing circuit and hoses for leak and replace if needed.
Refer to: Breathing Bag and Breathing Circuit Function
Valve domes are loose Check inhalation and exhalation valve domes and o-rings are seated and clean. Verify thumb screws on VME Models, and/or retainer rings on VMS and VMC Models are tight. Refer to:Inhalation Valve and Exhalation Valve
APL valve Make sure APL valve is closed during test and fully seated to clear exhalation dome. Remove APL valve, plug opening in clear dome to determine if leak originates from APL valve. Check O-ring under APL valve. Refer to:APL Valve
Vaporizer Verify fittings connected to vaporizer are tight. Check filler cap on vaporizer is tight and O-ring is undamaged. Test with Vaporizer turned off.
Loose connection Check all connections to machine and fittings.
Safety valve If machine is fitted with optional safety valve (negative pressure relief) valve, remove valve and plug opening in clear dome to determine if leak originates from safety valve. Check O-ring under safety valve. Refer to:Safety Valve
Probable Cause Correction
Machine leaking Perform Leak Test.
Anesthetic low Check anesthetic level.
Flow rate setting Check for proper flow rate. Refer to: Flowmeter
Probable Cause Correction
Machine leaking Perform Leak Test.
CO2 absorbent is old Change CO2 absorbent. Refer to: Absorber Canister
Anesthetic low Check anesthetic level.
Flow rate setting Check for proper flow rate. Refer to: Flowmeter
Probable Cause Correction
APL valve closed Open APL valve. Refer to:APL Valve
Pressure setting Check pressure reading on pressure gauge. If pressure is between 1 -3 cm H2O when bag appears over inflated, machine is functioning properly. If pressure is over 4 cm H2O, check for obstructions in scavenging device. Replace APL valve. Refer to: Pressure Gauge
Probable Cause Correction
Machine leaking Perform Leak Test.
Excessive draw if using an active scavenger Check active scavenger for excessive draw.
Oxygen flow rate Check oxygen flow. Refer to:Oxygen Flush
Probable Cause Correction
Machine leaking Perform Leak Test.
Oxygen supply and or pressure. Check oxygen supply and pressure. Refer to: Flowmeter and Pressure Gauge
Flowmeter needle valve broken Check flowmeter needle valve for operation. Refer to: Flowmeter
Probable Cause Correction
Valves dirty or damaged Check valve seats for damage. Refer to: Inhalation Valve and Exhalation Valve
Replace dirty or warped valve disks.