Troubleshooting your SmartRelease System
 

SmartRelease® System Setup and Operation . Length: 4:39

Troubleshooting Guidelines

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure the proper functioning of the SmartRelease System. Always assemble and pre-warm the system by turning on the camera, light source and monitor. White-balance and adjust the focus.

Image Quality and Fogging:

Fogging that occurs before insertion of the instruments into the surgical site can be caused by trapped moisture.

  • Moisture can be trapped between the camera coupler and the endoscope lens interface. Disassemble and thoroughly dry the endoscope lens and camera coupler interface with isopropyl alcohol or an anti-fogging agent and a sterile cotton swab. For future prevention, always use an anti-fogging agent to dry the endoscope lens prior to assembly.
  • Moisture can also be trapped between the endoscope lens optics and the eyepiece. This is caused by damage to the endoscope. Return the endoscope to an authorized MicroAire agent for repair. For future prevention, always protect the endoscope in its autoclave case during processing and between cases.

There are several causes of fogging after insertion into carpal/cubital tunnel.

  • Condensation can occur due to temperature differences between the patient’s body temperature and the temperature of the endoscope and handpiece. Dip or wipe the endoscope tip in sterile anti-fogging agent and wipe dry. Keep the device inside the surgical until the endoscope warms up to the patient’s body temperature (approximately 45 seconds). Early assembly of the endoscope, light source, and camera can pre-warm the system and help prevent this condensation. Additionally, allow enough time between procedures for the endoscope to air-dry in its autoclave case.
  • Moisture can be trapped between the camera coupler and the endoscope lens interface. Disassemble and thoroughly dry the endoscope lens and camera coupler interface with isopropyl alcohol or an anti-fogging agent and a sterile cotton swab. For back-to-back cases with insufficient time between processing and surgical procedure, place the handpiece and instruments into a pan of sterile room temperature water/saline immediately following autoclaving. Do not place the endoscope into the water/saline. The extreme temperature difference could damage the scope. The scope will quickly cool down on its own following autoclave.
  • Excess fluid inside the surgical site can also cause fogging. Soak up the fluid with a sterile cotton swab. Avoid injecting anesthetics into the surgical site. Dry the endoscope completely after processing.
  • Moisture can also be trapped between the endoscope lens optics and the eyepiece. This is caused by damage to the endoscope. Return the endoscope to an authorized MicroAire agent for repair. For future prevention, always protect the endoscope in its autoclave case during processing and between cases.

A fuzzy distorted picture, or no picture at all, indicates damage to the endoscope. Return the endoscope to an authorized MicroAire agent for repair. Always protect the endoscope in its autoclave case during processing and between cases.

Other Trouble Shooting Tips:

Excessive contact and friction between the endoscope and blade assemble can cause the blade to fail to retract. Disconnect the endoscope from the handpiece. When the blade retracts, discard and replace the whole blade assembly and continue the procedure. For future prevention, always follow the surgical protocol by checking the fully assembled device prior the initial incision including blade elevation and retraction.

Over-tightening of the locking screw can also cause the blade to fail to retract. Release the locking screw and use the endoscopic view to confirm the blade retraction. If the blade remains extended, leave the blade assembly inside the surgical site and separate the blade assembly from the handpiece. If the blade continues to remain extended, keep the blade assembly in-situ and convert to an open procedure. For future prevention, only tighten the locking screw until it is finger tight. Do not over-tighten which can result in blade non-retraction.

A sticky trigger finger on the SmartRelease System is usually indicative of debris lodged around the trigger. Clean the handpiece according to the IFU. If the issue persists, contact MicroAire and send the handpiece back for maintenance.

REFERENCE DOCUMENT: IM-STRELEASE Rev H