ICS
Natus Medical Denmark ApS · Model 8-04-13330
AirCal Caloric Stimulator, Extended (Extended length - 4m)
Intended use: An assembly of devices intended to evaluate a patient’s vestibular function through the application of heat and/or cold stimuli in the form of a stream of air or water into the ear canal, whereby involuntary horizontal eye movements (nystagmus) are produced and measured using a nystagmograph. The procedure may also be referred to as caloric reflex test, and is typically used for assessing a patient's balance system and/or to test for brainstem death. It typically consists of an irrigation system that includes a pump, valves, heaters and regulators to control the rate of flow and temperature of the medium. This device is typically used in an ear/nose/throat (ENT) department.
Key tips
- ·When no category-specific guidance fits, default to the manufacturer's own service manual and the general troubleshooting method in the Engineer's Guide.
- ·Run an incoming and annual electrical safety test regardless of how niche the device is.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
No or poor eye-tracking (VNG goggles)
HighSymptoms: Software cannot find the pupil, tracking drops out, calibration fails.
Root cause: Goggle camera lens dirty or misfocused, IR illuminator fault, light leak / poor fit, or a USB / camera fault.
Caloric irrigator fault (air / water)
HighSymptoms: Irrigator not reaching or holding the set temperature, weak or no flow, timing off.
Root cause: Heater / chiller, temperature sensor, pump / blower, or a flow / valve fault.
Rotary chair / motion-stimulus fault (if fitted)
MediumSymptoms: Chair will not move to command, position or velocity error, safety stop.
Root cause: Drive motor, encoder, brake, or a safety-interlock fault.
Amplifier / electrode-input fault (ENG mode)
MediumSymptoms: Noisy or absent ENG traces, high impedance.
Root cause: Electrode contact / cable, or the input amplifier.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
VNG goggle camera / IR illuminator
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Caloric irrigator heater / pump components
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Rotary-chair drive motor / encoder
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
Electrode / patient cable set
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Workstation PC
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| VNG goggle camera / IR illuminator | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Caloric irrigator heater / pump components | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Rotary-chair drive motor / encoder | Major service part | $$$$ | Expert-level |
| Electrode / patient cable set | Frequent wear item | $$ | Easy |
| Workstation PC | Major service part | $$$ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Follow the manufacturer's PM schedule
- ·Perform incoming and annual electrical safety testing per facility biomedical program
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Poor eye tracking
- Clean the goggle camera lens and confirm focus.
- Check the IR illuminator in the software.
- Ensure a good mask fit with no light leak in a darkened room.
- Reseat / swap the USB cable.
- Replace the camera module if a good cable does not fix it.
Symptom: Caloric irrigator not at temperature
- Confirm the water / air supply and any reservoir level.
- Check the irrigator reaches and holds the warm and cool setpoints against a reference.
- Inspect the pump / blower and valves.
- Replace the heater / sensor as found.
- Re-verify the delivered temperature before clinical use.
Technical Specs
- MRI safety
- Labeling does not contain MRI Safety Information
- Sterile
- No
- Single use
- No
- Prescription use
- Rx only
- FDA distribution status
- In Commercial Distribution
- Device type (GMDN)
- Diagnostic caloric vestibular stimulation system
- FDA product classification
- Stimulator, Caloric-Air
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Varies by device - check the unit's own manual for facility placement guidance
Documents & Manuals
No documents available for this device yet.
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