
10
VitalStim® Plus Electrotherapy System
GENERAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
• U.S.A. Federal Law restricts these devices to sale by, or on the order of, a
physician or licensed practitioner. This device should be used only under the
continued supervision of a physician or licensed practitioner.
• Be sure to read all instructions for operation before treating patient.
• Care must be taken when operating this equipment around other equipment.
Potential electromagnetic or other interference could occur to this or to the other
equipment.Try to minimize this interference by not using other equipment in
conjunction with it.
• Electronic monitoring equipment (such as ECG monitors and ECG alarms) may
not operate properly when electrical stimulation is in use.
• Do not drop the unit on hard surfaces or submerge in water. These actions will
damage the unit. Damage resulting from these conditions is not covered under
the warranty.
• This device should be kept out of the reach of children.
• Use only cables and accessories that are specially designed for theVitalStim® Plus
unit. Do not use accessories manufactured by other companies on the VitalStim®
Plus unit. DJO is not responsible for any consequence resulting from using
products manufactured by other companies. The use of other accessories or
cables may result in increased emissions or decreased immunity of theVitalStim®
Plus unit.
• Contaminated electrodes, lead wires, and gel can lead to infection.
• Use of electrode with degraded hydrogel can result in burn to the skin.
• DO NOT operate this unit in an environment where other devices are being used
that intentionally radiate electromagnetic energy in an unshielded manner.
• Use of electrode on multiple patients can lead to infection.
• Stop treatment immediately if patient experiences discomfort or pain.
• Long term effects of chronic electrical stimulation are unknown.
• Stimulation should not be applied transcerebrally.
• Stimulation should not be applied over swollen, infected, and inflamed areas or
skin eruptions, e.g., phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, etc.
• Stimulation should not be applied over, or in proximity
to, cancerous lesions.
• Using the supplied stimulation electrodes, the current density will not exceed
2mA/cm2. Using smaller electrodes or needle electrodes may lead to current
density greater than 2mA/cm2. In such cases, special caution is to be exercised
when adjusting the current level as too high values may cause skin irritation or
possibly burns. Consult the Electrode Current Density table in Appendix 3.
• TheVitalStim® Plus Electrotherapy System optional accessories are designed for
use only with the VitalStim® Plus Electrotherapy System.
• Medical electrical equipment needs special precautions regarding EMC. Portable
and mobile RF communication equipment can be affected by other medical
electrical devices. If you believe interference is occurring, please consult page 38,
Electromagnetic Compatibility, to assist in removing the interference.
• Common RF emitting devices (e.g., RFID) and electromagnetic security systems
(e.g., metal detectors) may interfere with the operation of theVitalStim® Plus
Electrotherapy System. TheVitalStim® Plus Electrotherapy System has been
tested in the presence of these types of devices and while no adverse event
occurred, the device should not be operated within the vicinity or environment
as another RF emitting device.
WARNING
• Powered muscle stimulators should be used only with the leads and electrodes
recommended for use by the manufacturer.
• Before administering any treatment to a patient you should become acquainted
with the operating procedures for each mode of treatment available, as well as
the indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions. Consult other
resources for additional information regarding the application of each mode of
treatment.
• Simultaneous connection of a patient to high frequency surgical equipment may
result in burns at the site of the stimulator electrodes and possible damage to
the stimulator.
• Keep electrodes separated during treatment. Electrodes in contact with each
other could result in improper stimulation or skin burns.
• Electrodes should be inspected before each use for resistance. (i.e. hydration
level, tack, discoloration and impurities) Follow the manufacturing guidelines on
electrode packaging.
• Long term effects of chronic electrical stimulation are unknown.
• Any patient may be treated with theVitalStim® Plus Electrotherapy System.
Extra care should be taken when this unit is used with children.
WARNING