
9
7.2.1
Valve Rinsing Procedure
Before opening the valve jar, carefully examine for evidence of damage (e.g., a cracked jar or lid,
leakage, or broken or missing seals).
CAUTION: Valves from containers found to be damaged, leaking, without adequate sterilant,
or missing intact seals must not be used for implantation.
Step
Procedure
1
Set up two (2) sterile bowls with at least 500 mL of sterile physiological saline to thoroughly rinse the
glutaraldehyde sterilant from the valve.
2
Carefully remove the valve/holder assembly from the jar without touching the tissue. Verify the valve
serial identification number with the number on the jar lid and record in the patient information
documents. Inspect the valve for any signs of damage to the frame or tissue.
3
Rinse the valve as follows: Place the valve in the first bowl of sterile, physiological saline. Be sure the
saline solution completely covers the valve and holder. With the valve and holder submerged, slowly
agitate (to gently swirl the valve and holder) back and forth for a minimum of 1 minute. Transfer the
valve and holder to the second rinsing bowl of physiological saline and gently agitate for at least one
more minute. Ensure the rinse solution in the first bowl is not used. The valve should be left in the final
rinse solution until needed to prevent the tissue from drying.
CAUTION: Do not allow the valve to come into contact with the bottom or sides of the rinse bowl
during agitation or swirling in the rinse solution. Direct contact between the identification tag
and valve is also to be avoided during the rinse procedure. No other objects should be placed in
the rinse bowls. The valve should be kept hydrated to prevent the tissue from drying.
7.2.2
Prepare the Components
Step
Procedure
1
Visually inspect all components for damage.
2
Refer to A Introducer Sheath Set and Crimper instructions for use on device preparation and
handling.
3
Ensure the delivery system pusher is in the distal locked position using the slider cap. If the stopcock is
not attached to the delivery system, attach stopcock to the flush port. Flush delivery system at the flush
port with heparinized saline and close stopcock to delivery system.
4
Carefully remove distal balloon cover.
5
Flush loader through the distal end with heparinized saline and insert the delivery system (with proximal
balloon cover on) into loader until loader is completely proximal.
6
Fully retract slider cap and rotate into proximal slot.
7
Slide the proximal balloon cover onto the balloon shaft and carefully peel off the proximal balloon cover
from the delivery system.
8
Flush and attach balloon extension tube to the balloon inflation hub.
9
Prepare a 50 cc or larger luer-lock syringe with diluted contrast solution (15:85 contrast to heparinized
saline) and attach to the extension tubing.
10
Completely fill the inflation device provided by Edwards with diluted contrast and attach to the
extension tubing stopcock. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the balloon. If an air bubble is detected,
eliminate it while deflating the balloon. Close the stopcock to the delivery system.