Smiths Medical BCI Advisor
Smiths Medical · Model BCI Advisor
Basic parameters include 3-lead ECG, respiration, NIBP and SpO2. Optional parameters of 5-lead ECG, invasive pressure/temperature and capnography. 10-inch color display.
Key tips
- ·A no-signal/flatline alarm gets checked on the patient first, not the monitor - rule out a real clinical event before troubleshooting.
- ·Recalibrate NIBP against a reference manometer, not just a self-test pass.
- ·Reused patient cables (SpO2, ECG leads) are a common source of intermittent-fault complaints - swap the cable before the module.
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.
A parameter drops out or reads wrong
HighSymptoms: ECG, IBP, SpO2, temperature, CO2 or CO intermittently drops or is implausible.
Root cause: Worn patient cable / sensor, or a parameter-module / input-board fault.
NIBP will not measure or is inaccurate
MediumSymptoms: NIBP times out, cuff will not inflate / hold, readings implausible.
Root cause: Internal NIBP pump or valve, a cuff / hose leak, or a pressure-transducer fault.
Module / parameter not recognised
MediumSymptoms: The host does not display a plugged-in module or a built-in parameter.
Root cause: Docking / connector fault or an internal board fault.
Display / touchscreen fault
MediumSymptoms: Blank, dim or distorted display; unresponsive touchscreen.
Root cause: Display, backlight, or controller fault.
Battery / power fault
MediumSymptoms: Short battery run time, will not hold charge, will not power on.
Root cause: Aged battery pack or a power-supply fault.
Network / central-station connectivity fault
LowSymptoms: Monitor not shown at the central station, admit fails, intermittent drop.
Root cause: Wired / Wi-Fi network configuration or a communication board.
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.
Patient cable set (ECG / IBP / SpO2 / temp)
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Easy
NIBP cuff and hose
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Easy
Internal NIBP pump / valve
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Parameter module / input board
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Battery pack
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Display / touchscreen assembly
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient cable set (ECG / IBP / SpO2 / temp) | Frequent wear item | $$ | Easy |
| NIBP cuff and hose | Frequent wear item | $ | Easy |
| Internal NIBP pump / valve | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Parameter module / input board | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Battery pack | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Display / touchscreen assembly | Major service part | $$$ | 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.
- ·Routine cable and lead-wire inspection for fraying/wear
- ·Battery conditioning cycle
- ·NIBP calibration check against a reference manometer
- ·ECG / SpO2 accuracy verification against a patient simulator
- ·Annual electrical safety test
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: A parameter drops out
- Reseat the patient cable at the module / monitor.
- Swap in a known-good cable / sensor for that parameter.
- Dock the module on a different host / slot to isolate module vs host.
- Inspect the docking connector for bent pins.
- Replace the cable, or refer the module / input board if the fault stays with it.
Symptom: NIBP problem
- Leak-test the cuff and hose.
- Run the monitor's NIBP calibration verification.
- Check for a kinked hose or a positional patient limb.
- Verify NIBP against a reference / simulator.
- Refer the monitor for internal pump / valve service if it persists.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- ICU / CCU
- Emergency Department
- OR / PACU
- General med-surg floors
- Step-down units
- Telemetry units
Documents & Manuals
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
Due to a manufacturing defect, users may experience inaccurate pressure monitoring, an interruption in pressure monitoring, or an inability to zero the device due to either a leak within the TranStar Disposable Pressure Transducer or from a defect within the TranStar Disposable Pressure Transducer chip.
- RECALL
Some printing modes on the devices may not function properly (tabular data printing, real-time continuous printouts, and automatic interrupt print feature).
- RECALL
The Auxiliary Serial Input/ Output Modes on the Advisor do not function as expected, resulting in data formatting issues or incorrect data being transmitted in or out of the serial port into a data collection system.
- RECALL
Smiths Medical is conducting a voluntary recall of a limited number of medical device AC power cords, manufactured by Electri-Cord Manufacturing Co., for use with BCI 3180 Pulse Oximeter(Human), 9200 Advisor Vital Signs Monitor(Human or Veterinary), 8400 Capnocheck II Capnometer(Human or Veterinary) and V6400 Invasive Pressure Monitor (Veterinary). The affected Electri-Cord AC power cords are eq
- RECALL
Recent improvements were made to the Advisor case plastic resulting in the inserts being deeply embedded into the plastic. This affects the ability of the monitor to be adequately secured on the wall mount bracket or roll stand bracket, resulting in the monitor falling off. There have been no adverse events or injuries reported.
- RECALL
Turn off unexpectedly/ Not turn on : monitors turned off unexpectedly sounding the critical failure alarm. Advisor Vital Signs monitors that were off, would not turn back on.
- RECALL
Potential Safety related problem associated with the pace detect function on some Advisor monitors that have impedance respiration capabilities in that random pace markers may appear when the pace detect function is turned on and the primary lead is set to Lead II, III or any of the augmented leads, AVL, AVR or AVF on the Advisor monitor.
- RECALL
Altitude testing of the Advisor with Capnography module found the CO2 (End Tidal and Inspired) values are incorrect when the Advisor is configured to display in the relative units of percent (%) at elevations above 4,100 feet (at standard temperature pressure). The % CO values displayed will be lower than the actual CO2 value.
- RECALL
An issue with the pace detect function was discovered on a 9200 II monitor. Could result in a falsely high or low heart rate reading.
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