HAMILTON-C1 Troubleshooting

While using active humidification, water accumulates in the flow sensor.

IMPORTANT: External flow sensor failure is critical. If the external flow sensor does not work properly, check the flow sensor for excessive secretions and/or water accumulation.

NOTE: Flow sensor can stay connected during transport.

Ensure that the flow sensor is positioned at a ≥ 45° angle relative to the floor. Excess water can affect the flow sensor measurements and lead to inaccurate volume delivery, potentially resulting in hypoventilation.

During operation, check the HAMILTON-H900 (humidifier in corresponding use with this ventilator) and make sure the humidity is non-condensing by adjusting the humidity from 30% to 95%.

More information on HAMILTON-H900:

++https://www.hamilton-medical.com/en_US...

Check the HAMILTON-H900 and ensure the wall-heated breathing circuit is functioning. The expiratory valve is heated to reduce the possibility of rainout in the expiratory limb.

• To prevent water accumulation in the flow sensor and tubing, position the flow sensor tubing on top of the flow sensor.
• Regularly check the water traps and the breathing circuit limbs for water accumulation. Empty as required.

Ventilator screen is not displaying the correct date and time.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the date and time are set correctly so that event log entries have accurate time and date stamps.

To set the date and time:

1. Touch System > Settings (Figure 10-6).

2. Touch Date & Time.

3. Adjust the day and time, then touch Apply to save the changes.

Follow instructions for setting date and time under the subheading: “The date and time are not set.”

There is a leak in the breathing circuit connection from the ventilator to the patient.

NOTE: Breathing circuit can stay connected during transport.

Perform the breathing circuit Tightness Test to check:

1. Set up the ventilator for ventilation, complete with breathing circuit and flow sensor.

2. Touch System > Tests & calib.

3. Touch Tightness. The text “Disconnect patient” is now displayed.

4. Disconnect the breathing circuit at the patient side of the flow sensor. Do not block the open end of the flow sensor. The text “Tighten patient system” is now displayed.

5. Block the opening (wearing a glove is recommended).

6. Connect the patient.
7. When the test is complete, verify that there is a check mark in the Tightness checkbox.

NOTE: To cancel the Tightness test while still in progress, touch Tightness again.

If the calibration fails, a red X is displayed in the Flow sensor checkbox.

In the case of a calibration failure, perform the following checks and repeat the calibration after each one, until calibration is successful:

1. Ensure that the flow sensor is appropriate for the selected patient group.
2. Check the breathing circuit for a disconnection between the ventilator and the flow sensor, or for other large leaks (for example, breathing circuit, humidifier).
3. Check that the flow sensor and expiratory valve set are properly seated.
4. If the calibration still fails, replace the flow sensor.
5. If the calibration still fails, replace the expiratory valve membrane.
6. If the calibration still fails, replace the expiratory valve set.
7. If the problem persists, have the ventilator serviced.

Check the breathing circuit for a disconnection between the ventilator and the flow sensor. Reconnect components as required and calibrate the flow sensor. Perform the Tightness test (see under the subheading “The breathing circuit connections are not tight enough”).

• When switching between the Adult/Ped to the Neonatal patient groups, you must calibrate the flow sensor and perform the Tightness test.
• Ensure that all of the components of the breathing circuit set, including but not limited to flow sensor, humidifier, and other accessories, match the associated intended use for the target patient group.
• For each new patient, always use a new or reprocessed breathing circuit to avoid cross contamination. During ventilation, regularly check the breathing circuit filter for increased resistance and blockage.
• Make sure an O2 sensor is installed at all times, even if you use an external monitor or disable oxygen monitoring.
• When adding components to the Hamilton Medical breathing circuit configurations, do not exceed the inspiratory and expiratory resistance values of the ventilator breathing system as specified in Section 14.10 of the manual, as required by ISO 80601-2-12.
  

The flow sensor becomes disconnected from the connection ports.

There are two types of flow sensors: Adult/Ped and Neonatal. You could be attaching the incorrect tube to the Hamilton-C1. Calibration will fail if the wrong flow sensor is connected. Attach the correct flow sensor for your patient and calibrate the flow sensor again.

How to calibrate the adult/pediatric flow sensor:

1. Set up the Hamilton-C1 for ventilation, complete with the breathing circuit and flow sensor.
2. Touch System > Tests & calib.
3. Touch Flow sensor. If you have not disconnected the patient yet, the message line will display “Disconnect patient”.
4. Disconnect the patient now.
5. When prompted, attach the calibration adapter to the flow sensor and flip them 180° so the adapter is directly connected to the limb (as shown in figure 4-1).
6. When prompted, flip the flow sensor/adapter 180° again, so the flow sensor is directly connected to the limb, and remove the calibration adapter.
7. When calibration is complete, verify that there is a checkmark in the Flow sensor checkbox.
8. When successful, continue with other tests or ventilation.

(Figure 4-1)

How to perform the Tightness Test:

1. Set up Hamilton-C1 for ventilation, complete with breathing circuit and flow sensor.
2. Click System > Tests & calib.
3. Touch Tightness. The text “Disconnect patient” is now displayed.
4. Disconnect the breathing circuit from the patient side of the flow sensor. Do NOT block the open end of the flow sensor.
5. The text “Tighten patient system” is now displayed.
6. Block the opening while wearing a glove (refer to figure 4-3).
7. The text “Connect patient” is now displayed.
8. Connect the patient.
9. When the test is complete, verify there is a check mark in the “Tightness” checkbox .

(Figure 4-2)

Warning: Do NOT continue use of flow sensor unless the sensor passes a full calibration and Tightness test.

The Hamilton-C1 has switched to PCV+ mode and is now displaying the internal ventilator pressure (Pvent) instead of the airway pressure (Paw). Check the flow sensor connection as it may be loose or attached improperly. Then connect and calibrate a new flow sensor.

For step by step calibration instructions see “How to calibrate the adult/pediatric flow sensor” under subheading “The incorrect flow sensor is attached to the patient”.

The Hamilton-C1 will return to its previous mode once measurements are within the expected range.

The alarm is too loud or too soft.

Note: By default, the loudness is set to 5 (Adult/pediatric) or 3 (Neonatal).

How to adjust alarm loudness:

1. Touch System > Settings.
2. Touch the Loudness button if the Loudness window is not already displayed.
3. Activate and adjust the Loudness control as needed.
4. Touch Test to check to loudness level. Ensure the loudness level is above the ambient sound level.
5. Repeat the process as required, and close the window.