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About this Manual
This handbook forms the Instructions for
Use for the Keeler Cryomatic, a clinical
instrument for cryogenic ophthalmic surgery.
It contains complete, step-by-step instructions
for the Cryomatic and is intended for use
by trained medical personnel. This manual
does not contain clinical instructions or any
recommendations for medical applications.
The use of the Cryomatic in any surgical
procedure must always be at the discretion of
a licensed medical practitioner.
About Cryomatic
The Keeler Cryomatic System and probes
are for use in ophthalmic surgery such
as cryopexy for retinal detachment, cyclo
destructive procedures in refractory glaucoma,
extraction of fragments within the vitreous
cavity, cataract extraction, cryo destruction of
lash follicles for trichiasis and treatment of
retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Once the Cryo-Tip probe has been correctly
positioned the freeze control is activated and
an ice ball is formed around the tip of the
Cryo-Tip probe and the adjacent area.
Product Description
The system comprises a control console and
interchangeable Cryo-Tip probes which are
connected to the console for use. The Cryo-
Tip probe is re-usable and can be sterilized by
autoclaving or other approved methods. The
system requires mains electricity and Nitrous
Oxide or Carbon Dioxide gas to function, this
is the responsibility of the user.
Console
The Cryomatic console is a self contained
system. The console provides the connection
points for the Cryo-Tip probe, footswitch,
mains electricity, gas supply and scavenging
system. Freeze cycles are controlled by the
user operating the footswitch. When the
footswitch is depressed the Cryo-Tip probe
freezes and when the footswitch is released
the Cryo-Tip probe defrosts. Routine functions,
like purging the Cryo-Tip probe are performed
automatically when the Cryo-Tip probe is
connected to the system.
Cryo-Tip Probes
The Cryo-Tip probe is connected to the
Cryomatic console via a simple quick release
coupling. The system will not operate until
this connection is correctly made. Each Cryo-
Tip probe is a complete assembly and no
attempt should be made to dismantle or
separate the coupling from the probe.
When the footswitch is pressed, high pressure
cryogen gas is circulated through the Cryo-
Tip probe, rapid gas expansion in the probe
tip causes freezing according to the Joule-
Thompson principle. The freezing zone of
the Cryo-Tip probe is limited so that the ice-
ball propagates only at the tip. When the
footswitch is released, an active de-frost is
caused by the equalisation of pressure on
either side of the Joule-Thompson nozzle.
The gas condenses releasing its latent heat
causing a rapid de-frost.
The Cryo-Tip probe assembly is re-usable and
as such is fully autoclaveable according to the
procedures outlined in this manual.
2. Introduction
