Mortara Eli 250 Battery Replacement Repair Case Study

A Florida healthcare facility requested service for a Mortara Eli 250 EKG machine, reporting the need for a battery replacement. While EKG machines can operate on AC power, a functional battery is critical for portability within a clinical environment, allowing staff to perform electrocardiograms at the bedside without being tethered to a wall outlet. A PBES technician was dispatched to address the issue.

Technician investigation

The service request was direct, indicating a 'battery replacement swap'. Upon arrival, the technician's first step was to verify this assessment. The technician evaluated the unit and, based on the service report, officially diagnosed the Mortara Eli 250 EKG with a defective battery. This confirmed the customer's report and established the need for a replacement.

Root cause

Confirmed: The unit's battery was defective. The root cause was not formally documented, but the technician's diagnosis directly confirmed that the battery was defective, aligning with the customer's initial report.

Resolution

Following the diagnosis, the technician performed the primary corrective action: replacing the defective battery in the Mortara Eli 250 EKG unit. As part of PBES standard procedure following any component replacement involving the power system, the technician also performed an electrical safety inspection to ensure the unit remained safe for both patient and operator use.

Verification

• Electrical safety inspection
• Power-on self test
• Verification of all controls and buttons
• Alarms test
• Calibration verification
• Performance qualification

After a component replacement, even a seemingly simple one like a battery, it is crucial to verify the entire device's functionality. This process ensures the repair was successful, that no new issues were introduced, and that the EKG machine is calibrated, safe, and ready for immediate clinical use.

Technician insight

Even for a straightforward request like a battery swap, a full verification is non-negotiable. The PM checklist run after the replacement confirms the device isn't just 'fixed' but is fully operational and safe. It ensures the power-on self-test, alarms, and calibration are all within spec, which is our standard of care before returning any medical device to service.

Understanding EKG Battery Failures

• Natural end of battery's rated cycle life.
• Prolonged storage in a fully discharged state, causing cell damage.
• Internal cell failure or short circuit.
• Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures outside of operating range.
• Failure of the device's internal charging circuit.

In this specific case documented in the PBES service report, the technician identified a defective battery as the reason for the service call.

FAQ

What are the common signs of a failing EKG battery?

Common signs include a significantly shorter run time on battery power, failure to hold a charge when unplugged, specific battery error messages on the device screen, or the unit failing to power on at all without being connected to AC power.

Can I replace the Mortara Eli 250 battery myself?

While it may be physically possible, it is highly recommended that a qualified biomedical technician performs the replacement. A technician not only ensures the correct battery is installed properly but also conducts essential post-replacement functional and safety tests, like the ones documented in this report.

Was a replacement part used in this repair?

The technician's actions confirm the battery was replaced. However, a specific part number for the new battery was not documented in the structured data section of this service report.

What is an electrical safety inspection?

An electrical safety inspection (ESI) is a series of tests to verify that a medical device is safe for patient and operator use. It typically involves checking for proper grounding and measuring any potential current leakage to ensure it is within safe limits set by regulatory standards.