15
4.
Place the appropriate
Locator Tool
atop the
implanted valve so that the black lines are aligned
with the marked center of the hard valve mechanism
and the direction of flow arrow aligns with the
catheter barb marks (Figure 10).
Note:
If using the
Adjustable Height Locator Tool,
rotate the white outer ring to adjust the height until
the tissue that covers the valve mechanism is just
below the cut-out in the
Locator Tool
(Figure 9C) to
optimize the tool performance.
Note:
If using the
Low Profile Locator Tool
, ensure
that the tissue that covers the valve mechanism does
not protrude through the cut-out in the
Locator Tool
.
If tissue is protruding through the opening,
gently
hold the tool against the head to see if the tissue
stays below the cut-out. If there is too much tissue
protrusion, use the
Adjustable Height Locator
Tool
instead.
CAUTION: Failure to accurately position the
Locator Tool could result in an inaccurate
indication of the performance setting, potentially
leading to a false reading (i.e. an incorrect number
may appear in the window of the Indicator Tool).
The Locator Tool must be precisely aligned
with both the valve’s direction of flow and the
center of the hard valve mechanism for an
accurate indication reading. Alignment can be
more challenging if tissue thickness is >10 mm
above the valve. In these instances, verify the
valve setting with x-ray or fluoroscopy. Refer to
SECTION D:
Troubleshooting
and SECTION E:
Confirming the Current Valve Setting.
5.
Fully seat the
Indicator Tool
into the
Locator Tool
so that the red markings are aligned (Figure 11). You
may hear a click when the tool seats. The indicator
tool will not rotate within the locator tool when
properly seated.
CAUTION: When reading the performance setting
with the Indicator Tool, make sure that the
Adjustment Tool and any other magnetic devices
are at least 36 cm (14 in.) away from the Indicator
Tool. Failure to do so can result in an inaccurate
indication of the performance setting.
6.
When the number dial on the
Indicator Tool
stops
moving, observe the number and its position within
the window to determine the performance setting.
A single number within the window that has the full
purple background and both gray side lines visible
(Figure 13) indicates the performance setting of the
valve when the tools are properly aligned. Once the
valve performance setting has been read, remove the
Indicator Tool
.
Note:
If a single number with the purple background
and both gray side lines are not fully visible, then
the
Locator Tool
is not accurately aligned with the
valve. Remove the
Indicator Tool
and reposition
the
Locator Tool
, ensuring the black center lines
are centered with the valve mechanism (Figure 10).
Repeat Steps 1 through 6.
CAUTION: Do not move the Locator and Indicator
Tools together to obtain or center a number in
the window as this could result in an inaccurate
indication of the performance setting.
