9
Phoenix User’s Manual
Lack of sensation.
Use caution if stimulation is applied over areas of skin that lack normal
sensation. Don’t apply stimulation on patient unable to express themselves.
Hot casing or batteries.
Under extreme use conditions, some parts of the casing might
reach up to 109 °F (43 °C). Use caution when manipulating the batteries right after device use
or when holding the device. There is no particular health risk associated with this temperature
besides your comfort.
Children.
Keep this device out of the reach of children.
Electrode size.
Do not use electrodes with an active area less than 16 cm
2
, as there will be a
risk of suffering a burn injury. Caution should always be exercised with current densities more
than 2mA/cm
2
.
Strangulation.
Do not wrap leadwires around your neck, and keep them out of the reach of
children. Strangulation may result from entanglement in the leadwires.
Tripping.
Care should be used to avoid tripping on lead wires.
Damaged device or accessories.
Never use the Empi Phoenix device or any of its
accessories if it is damaged (case, cables, etc.) or if the battery compartment is open as there
is a risk of electric shock. Carefully inspect the lead wires and connectors prior to each use.
Inspect electrodes.
Inspect electrodes before each use. Replace electrodes when they
begin to deteriorate or lose adhesion. Poor contact between the electrodes and the patient’s
skin increases the risk of skin irritation or burns. Electrodes will last longer if used and stored
according to instructions on electrode packaging. Attach the electrodes in such a way that
their entire surface is in contact with the skin.
Foreign bodies.
Do not allow any foreign bodies (soil, water, metal, etc.) to penetrate the
Empi Phoenix device and the battery compartment.
Garment.
Do not use the Empi Phoenix Thigh Garment in proximity of fire or excessive heat
sources due to the risk of fire. Make sure that the electrodes cover the metal connectors on
the Phoenix garment before use to avoid shocking, skin irritation, and burns.
Batteries.
Do not carry batteries in a pocket, purse, or any other place where the terminals
could become short-circuited (e.g. by way of paper clip). Intense heat could be generated and
injury may result.
Heat and cold products.
The use of heat or cold producing devices (e.g. electric heating
blankets, heating pads or ice packs) may impair performance of the electrode or alter the
patient’s circulation/sensitivity and increase the risk of injury to the patient.
Pulled muscles.
Do not apply electrodes over pulled muscles. Using the stimulator on
a previously extended muscle might further pull such muscle. The higher the stimulation
intensity, the higher the risk to further overextend such muscle.
DC Component
. The Empi Phoenix waveforms may contain a DC component (only for
Edema program P4). Always use Empi electrodes with a minimum active area of 16 cm
2
(including Empi square (2” x 2”) StimCare electrodes). Use of an electrode with an area less
than 16 cm
2
can cause burns when the unit is used at higher intensities. Consult your clinician
prior to using any electrode less than 16 cm
2
.
This DC component for the Edema program (P4) is equivalent to 266 µA DC for all intensities
above 4 mA.
Additional Precautions for TENS (P3)
• TENS is not effective for pain of central origin, including headache.
• TENS is not a substitute for pain medications and other pain management therapies.
• TENS devices have no curative value.
• TENS is a symptomatic treatment and, as such, suppresses the sensation of pain that
would otherwise serve as a protective mechanism.
• Effectiveness of TENS is highly dependent upon patient selection by a practitioner
qualified in the management of pain patients.
