Thoratec HeartMate III, Instructions For Use Manual, Page: 373 / 458

Equipment Storage and Care 8
HeartMate III Left Ventricular Assist System Instructions for Use 8-5
Cleaning System Controller Power Cables
As needed, clean exterior surfaces of the System Controller power cables with a damp, lint-free
cloth. If more aggressive cleaning is needed, use warm water and mild dish soap. Keep the
System Controller power cables dry and away from water or liquid.
If the System Controller power cables come into contact with water or liquid, the system may fail
to operate properly or cause a serious electrical shock.
Care of the Driveline
Damage due to wear and fatigue of the Driveline has occurred in both the externalized and
implanted portions of the Driveline of commercially available implantable LVADs. Damage to the
redundant wires within the Driveline may or may not be preceded by visible damage to the outer
layer of the Driveline.
Driveline damage may be evidenced by the following:
• Driveline faults may occur on Battery or Power Module operation.
• Transient alarms due to short or open circuits, often associated with movement of the patient
or the Driveline.
• High pump power associated with reduced pump speed, as recorded in the System Controller
event log file.
• High pulsatility index (PI) and/or the need for frequent replacement of the System Controller.
• Feelings of pump vibrations.
• Fluid leakage from the external portion of the Driveline.
• Cessation of pumping.
If the Driveline is suspected of damage, contact Thoratec Corporation for assistance.
Refer to page iii for Thoratec Corporation contact information.
X-ray images may be useful to assess the extent and location of the Driveline damage. If damage
to the electrical conductors in the Driveline is confirmed, the Left Ventricular Assist Device should
be replaced as soon as possible.
A disruption to the continuity of the wires in the Driveline may cause damage to the
System Controller. If damage to the System Controller occurs and the System Controller requires
replacement, consider supporting the patient using batteries to reduce the potential of further
damage to the System Controller.
WARNING !
Do not disconnect the System Controller from the Driveline for cleaning.
Disconnecting the Driveline from the System Controller will cause the Pump to stop.
The System Controller Driveline connector should be disconnected only when replacing
the System Controller. Refer to
Backup System Controller Overview on page 2-41.