5
Operational Notes
CAUTION:
Use appropriate size introducer for catheter being used.
CAUTION:
Use of an introducer smaller than 16 gauge can result in damage to the catheter on
removal.
CAUTION:
Consider use of systemic heparinization.
Phonocardiogram Recording
Mikro-Tip catheters have pressure sensors with a sufficiently high frequency response to sense heart
sounds. These transducers detect sounds simultaneously from many sources in a localized fashion.
Heart sounds visible on the pressure waveform can be amplified and clearly displayed on a separate
channel. Heart sounds less than the noise of the display system will display only that noise.
6
Handling Precautions for Mikro-Tip Catheters
DO:
DO NOT:
Pressure
Sensor
Clean immediately after use
Clean with stiff-bristled brush
Clean with high pressure water jet
Protect with dome when not in use
Tap the sensor against a rigid surface
Disconnect during electrical defibrillation
or electrosurgery
Apply excessive force to the sensor
surface
Expose to excessive pressure
Catheter
Clean immediately after use
Cut, crease, knot, fold, kink, or crush
with forceps or clamps of any kind
Connector
& Cables
Protect connectors from fluid
Immerse connectors in liquid
Cleaning
Keep catheter, and sensor wet until
cleaning
Expose to alcohol, cresols, phenols,
mercury compounds, hypochlorites,
acetone, peroxide, silicone chlorine,
xylenes, trichloroethylene, or freon
Clean thoroughly with approved enzymatic
cleanser immediately after use
Use ultrasonic cleaner.
Immerse electrical connector
Sterilizing
Dry catheter before sterilizing
Autoclave, irradiate (gamma/e-
beam), plasma, peroxide or
formaldehyde vapor solutions
Remove plastic dome from catheter
Use Sporox or Cidex PA solutions
Troubleshooting and Corrective Maintenance
Problem
Probable Cause
Corrective Action
Excessive Drift
Deposit of foreign material on the
diaphragm of the pressure sensor.
Follow Cleaning Instructions. If
problem persists, contact Millar.
Transducer will
not balance
(zero)
Moisture in the connector, damage to
wires in the catheter, or fractured
strain gauge within pressure sensor.
Follow Operating Instructions or
substitute a transducer known to be
operating properly into the recording
system.
Cleaning
Approved Cleaners
Type
Trade Name
Manufacturer
Active
Ingredient.
Soak
Time/Temperature
Enzymatic
Detergent
Enzol
®
(in UK: Cidezyme
®
)
Advanced
Sterilization
Products (J&J)
Propylene
Glycol
15 minutes / room
temperature
Endozime
®
Ruhoff
Corporation
Propylene
Glycol
15 minutes / room
temperature
Terg-A-Zyme
®
Alconox
Sodium
Dodecylbenzene
15 minutes / room
temperature
