Harvard Apparatus VentElite 55-7040 User manual

Publicaon 5420-009 REV-1.0
User’s Manual
VentElite 55-7040

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Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Table of Contents
SUBJECT PAGE #
Warranty & Repair Informaon 2
Manual Descripon 2
Warranty 2
General Safety Informaon 3
Technical Specicaons 5
Introducon 7
Installaon 9
Inial Setup 9
Locaon Requirements 9
Typical Operaon 10
Venlator Connecons 10
Operaon 12
Geng Started 12
Mode Selecon 12
Volume Mode 12
Pressure Mode 13
Seng the Respiraon Rate 13
Seng the Tidal Volume 14
Seng the Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) 15
I:E Rao 15
Sigh Breath 16
Inspiratory/Expiratory Hold 17
Posive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) 18
Sengs: 18
Backlight 20
System Informaon 20
Audible Alarms 21
Upgrade soware 21
Mode 22
Y-Axis Scale 22
Running the VentElite 23
Pause Vt 23
Alarms 23
Maintenance 23
Troubleshoong Guide 24
Appendix A: Starng Tidal Volumes in Pressure Mode 24
Appendix B: Using Pressurized and/or Anesthec Gas 25
Appendix C: Digital I/O 25
Appendix D: Error Codes 26
Appendix E: Driver Installaon 28

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Manual Descripon
This manual is designed to provide all operaonal and program informaon required
to operate the VentElite. The funcons and features are described in the Technical
Specicaons secon.
Warranty
Harvard Apparatus warranes this instrument for a period of two years from date of
purchase. At its opon, Harvard Apparatus will repair or replace the unit if it is found
to be defecve as to workmanship or materials. This warranty does not extend to
damage resulng from misuse, neglect or abuse, normal wear and tear, or accident. This
warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser.
IN NO EVENT SHALL HARVARD APPARATUS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitaon of
incidental or consequenal damages so the above limitaon or exclusion may not apply
to you. THERE ARE NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR USE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE. Some states do not allow this limitaon
on an implied warranty, so the above limitaon may not apply to you.
If a defect arises within the two year warranty period, promptly contact Harvard
Apparatus, 84 October Hill Road, Holliston, Massachuses 01746 using our toll free
number 1–800–272–2775, or outside the U.S. call 508-893-8999. Our E-mail address is
[email protected]. Goods will not be accepted for return unless an RMA (returned
materials authorizaon) number has been issued by our customer service department.
The customer is responsible for shipping charges. Please allow a reasonable period of
me for compleon of repairs or replacement. If the unit is replaced, the replacement
unit is covered only for the remainder of the original warranty period dang from the
purchase of the original device.
This warranty gives you specic rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Repair Facilies and Parts
Harvard Apparatus stocks replacement and repair parts. When ordering, please describe
parts as completely as possible, preferably using a part number obtained from our
Technical Support department. If praccal, enclose a sample part or sketch. We oer a
complete recondioning service.
Serial Numbers
All inquires concerning out products should refer to the serial number of the unit,
located on the rear panel.
Warranty & Repair Information
REFER TO SAFETY INFORMATION AND SETTING UP THE HARVARD
APPARATUS VENTELITE BEFORE PLUGGING IN THE VENTILATOR.

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Please read the following safety precauons to ensure proper use of your VentElite.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specied, the protecon provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
To Prevent Hazard or Injury
Use Proper Power Supply
The unit is supplied with an approved power supply and line cord. To maintain the safety
integrity of the device, use only the following:
General Safety Summary
Globtek Inc.
Model: GT-43006-4015-T3
Output: 15V DC, 2.7 A
Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.0 A
Use Proper Line Cord
Use only the specied line cord for this product and make sure the line cord is cered
for the country of use. The operang voltage range for the VentElite is 15 VDC. The
universal power supply operang voltage range is 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the line cord. To avoid
electric shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to earth ground. Before
making any connecons to the input or output terminals of the product, ensure that the
product is properly grounded.
Make Proper Connecons
Make sure all connecons are made properly and securely. Any signal wire connecons
to the unit must be no longer than 3 meters.
Observe All Terminal Rangs
Review the operang manual to learn the rangs on all connecons.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry
Do not touch any electronic circuitry inside of the product.
Do Not Operate with Suspected Failures
If damage is suspected on or to the product do not operate the product. Contact
qualied service personnel to perform inspecon.
Orient the Equipment Properly
Do not orient the equipment so that it is dicult to operate the disconnecon device.

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Place Product in Proper Environment
Review the operang manual for guidelines for proper operang environments.
Observe All Warning Labels on Product
Read all labels on product to ensure proper usage.
General Safety Summary
CAUTION
Refer to Manual
Protecve
Ground Terminal
CAUTION: FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR CLINICAL USE ON PATIENTS.

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Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Technical Specifications
Suggested Weight Range 10 g to 1 kg
Species Mouse to Guinea Pig
Port Sizes
To Animal and Source 3.6-3.8 mm (0.14-0.15 in)
From Animal and Exhaust 4.0 mm (0.16 in)
Control Modes Volume or Pressure
Tidal Volume Range 50 µl to 5 ml
Tidal Volume Accuracy 0.1 µl
Tidal Volume Resoluon 1 µl
Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) 0-50 cmH2O
PIP Accuracy ± 0.7 cmH2O*
PIP Resoluon 1 cmH2O
PEEP 0-10 cmH2O
Breath Rate 10 to 300 bpm
I:E Rao 20-80%
Gas Supply Room air or nonammable mixed gas**
Sigh Frequency Every 10 – 999 breaths or manual
Sigh Breath 0-20% of dal volume (in Volume Mode) or PIP
(in Pressure Mode)
Safety Alarms Over- and under-pressure, occlusion, high PEEP
Signal Input TTL, 0-5 VDC
Signal Output TTL, 0-5 VDC, 5 mA
Remote Communicaon RS-485
Display 7” LCD touchscreen, resisve
Power Supply 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Input Power 15V DC, 25 W
Input Power Connector 2.5 mm ID x 5.0 mm OD plug
Dimensions (W x D x H) 31.8 x 20.3 x 17.8 cm (12.5 x 8.0 x 7.0 in)
Weight 3.4 kg (7.6 lbs)
Warranty 2 years
*PIP accuracy is a reecon of the most ideal condion and may dier depending on specic set up
**Use of a pressurized gas source with the VentElite requires the use of a connecon kit; please see Appendix B for details.

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Technical Specifications
Atmospheric Specicaons
Operang Temperature 4˚C to 40˚C (40˚F to 104˚F)
Storage Temperature -10˚C to 70˚C (14˚F to 158˚F)
Operang Humidity See Chart Below
Storage Humidity 20% to 80% RH, non-condensing
Method of Operaon Connuous
Classicaon Class I
Polluon Degree 1
Installaon Category II
Supplier Name Harvard Apparatus
Supplier Address 84 October Hill Road, Holliston, MA 01746
Regulator Cercaons CE, ETL (UL, CSA), WEEE, & EU RoHS
Safety Declaraons ANSI/UL 61010-1; CAN/CSA C22.2. No. 61010-1;
IEC 61010-1; CENELEC EN 61010-1
EMC Declaraon FCC 47CFR 15B, EN61326-1

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Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Introduction
Theory of Operaon
The VentElite was designed for animal research applicaons and is intended for use on
subjects ranging in size from mice to guinea pigs. The design goal of this venlator was
to maintain versality and ease of use while fostering safe and physiologically accurate
mechanical venlaon condions.
The VentElite ulizes advanced technologies to precisely control respiraon proles.
The VentElite has two operang modes, Volume Control and Pressure Control, and
allows users to easily toggle between these two modes via the Sengs buon on the
large touch screen. The Volume Control mode delivers the desired dal volume to
the subject by precisely controlling the stroke of the piston. Since the actual stroke
length, and therefore dal volume, may be modied for a given stroke, sigh breaths are
supported. Similarly, since stroke speed is precisely controllable during inspiraon and
expiraon, variable inspiraon-to-expiraon (I:E) raos are also supported. A pressure
sensor connuously monitors the airway pressure to alert the user of over- and under-
pressure condions.
The Pressure Control mode of the VentElite allows the user to set the peak inspiratory
pressure (PIP) value. Flow rates are automacally adjusted by changing the dal volume
while keeping the respiraon rate constant. The stroke is adjusted in a manner in which
the PIP is reached near the end of the piston stroke. This ensures that the subject, which
has a higher airway resistance than the airway path within the venlator, receives the
majority of the expected dal volume and that the unit does not prematurely terminate
the piston stroke. Manual adjustment of the inspiratory ow rate is not required.
The VentElite oers built-in Posive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) capability, allowing
a PEEP seng via the touch screen user interface of up to 10 cmH2O. Another feature of
the VentElite is the ability to perform Inspiratory or Expiratory Hold. The user can enter
the desired hold me and iniate inspiratory or expiratory hold by simply pressing the
Insp. Hold/Exp. Hold buon on the user interface.

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Features
Volume Control Mode The VentElite delivers a known volume of gas to the subject
on each inspiraon stroke. Respiraon frequency and I:E
rao determine the amount of me for inspiraon and
expiraon phases.
Pressure Control
Mode
The venlator delivers gas to the subject unl the user-
dened pressure limit is reached. Stroke volume is
automacally adjusted by the unit so that the pressure limit
is reached near the end of the stroke. Respiraon frequency
and I:E Rao determine the amount of me for inspiraon
and expiraon phases
Tidal Volume (Vt) Adjustable from 50 µl to 5 ml with user selectable units
Respiratory Rate (BPM) Adjustable from 10 to 300 BPM
Adjustable I:E Rao This opon allows the user to select the rao of inhalaon
to exhalaon mes when advanced respiratory control is
needed. This feature is intended to allow greater respiratory
control for research applicaons. The default I:E rao is
50% and is user selectable from 20 to 80%, depending on
respiraon rate.
Sigh Breath Connuous, long-term venlaon combined with the
force of gravity will cause the animal’s lungs to collapse.
Introducing a larger than normal dal volume over-inates
the animal’s lungs, replicang a natural sigh. This allows the
lungs to expand and open the collapsed alveoli. Sigh breaths
are supported in both Volume Control and Pressure Control
modes. In the Volume Control mode, a sigh dal volume is
used. In the Pressure Control mode, a sigh pressure limit
is used. The frequency and volume of the sigh breath are
user selectable via the Sigh buon on the user interface.
Sigh frequency can be programmed automacally or can be
controlled manually by pressing the Sigh buon on the user
interface.
Posive End
Expiratory Pressure
(PEEP)
Posive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) is user selectable, up
to 10 cmH2O, depending on peak inspiratory pressure (PIP).
Inspiratory/Expiratory
Hold
User selectable opon for toggling between inspiratory
or expiratory hold, for user dened me to maintain peak
(inspiratory) or minimal (expiratory) dal volume/pressure in
the subject’s lungs
Safety Alarms Visual and audible alarms for over pressure, under pressure,
occlusion, and high PEEP – as well as opon to Mute All
alarms

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Installation
Front and Back of the VentElite
Inial Setup
1. Remove unit from the box
2. Remove foam-packing inserts from both ends of the venlator
3. Locate and carefully remove the power supply and line cord from the
shipping material
4. Visually inspect the venlator for any damage that might have occurred in the
shipping process
5. The VentElite is shipped from the factory with a North American line cord with a US
three wire molded power plug on one end and an IEC320/C13 connector on the
other end. Use only an approved AC line cord with a molded IEC320/C13 connector
cered for country of use. Only connect to grounded power receptacles to help
ensure proper grounding; do not use adapter plugs.
6. Read the manual to become familiar with all features and funcons of the VentElite
Locaon Requirements
• A sturdy, level, clean, nonammable and dry surface
• Minimum of 2.5 cm (1 in) clearance around the venlator
• Adequate power supply
• Room temperature 4° to 40°C (40° to 104°F)
• Relave humidity of 20 to 80% (see chart in Technical Specicaons secon)
• A well venlated room
WARNING
Do not use in the presence of explosive gases
or in a high concentraon oxygen environment
Volume Control Mode The VentElite delivers a known volume of gas to the subject
on each inspiraon stroke. Respiraon frequency and I:E
rao determine the amount of me for inspiraon and
expiraon phases.
Pressure Control
Mode
The venlator delivers gas to the subject unl the user-
dened pressure limit is reached. Stroke volume is
automacally adjusted by the unit so that the pressure limit
is reached near the end of the stroke. Respiraon frequency
and I:E Rao determine the amount of me for inspiraon
and expiraon phases
Tidal Volume (Vt) Adjustable from 50 µl to 5 ml with user selectable units
Respiratory Rate (BPM) Adjustable from 10 to 300 BPM
Adjustable I:E Rao This opon allows the user to select the rao of inhalaon
to exhalaon mes when advanced respiratory control is
needed. This feature is intended to allow greater respiratory
control for research applicaons. The default I:E rao is
50% and is user selectable from 20 to 80%, depending on
respiraon rate.
Sigh Breath Connuous, long-term venlaon combined with the
force of gravity will cause the animal’s lungs to collapse.
Introducing a larger than normal dal volume over-inates
the animal’s lungs, replicang a natural sigh. This allows the
lungs to expand and open the collapsed alveoli. Sigh breaths
are supported in both Volume Control and Pressure Control
modes. In the Volume Control mode, a sigh dal volume is
used. In the Pressure Control mode, a sigh pressure limit
is used. The frequency and volume of the sigh breath are
user selectable via the Sigh buon on the user interface.
Sigh frequency can be programmed automacally or can be
controlled manually by pressing the Sigh buon on the user
interface.
Posive End
Expiratory Pressure
(PEEP)
Posive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) is user selectable, up
to 10 cmH2O, depending on peak inspiratory pressure (PIP).
Inspiratory/Expiratory
Hold
User selectable opon for toggling between inspiratory
or expiratory hold, for user dened me to maintain peak
(inspiratory) or minimal (expiratory) dal volume/pressure in
the subject’s lungs
Safety Alarms Visual and audible alarms for over pressure, under pressure,
occlusion, and high PEEP – as well as opon to Mute All
alarms

10 Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Installation
From Animal
Exhaust
Source
To Animal
Typical Operaon
The VentElite is designed to respirate small animals with a body mass ranging from
10 g to 1 Kg. It can operate at respiraon rates of 10 to 300 breaths per minute (bpm)
and can deliver dal volumes of 50 µl to 5 ml. The VentElite is designed for use in
a typical laboratory, operang room, or any other well-venlated, nonexplosive
environment. The VentElite can be used to deliver all types of nonexplosive gas mixtures
including, but not limited to, anesthec gases and high concentraon oxygen.
Typical Operang and Venlator Connecons
The VentElite has connecon ports on the piston and cylinder as well as on the valve
outlet. These connecons are shown and explained below and on the following pages.

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Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Digital I/O Analog Out Ethernet USB Drive
RS-485 OUT RS-485 IN
USB PC DC Power Input
Main Power Switch
Rear Panel close up
Airway Tubing Connecons
Source
Flow of gas used by VentElite for inspiraon. Connect to the source of inspiraon gas
or leave disconnected to use room air for venlaon.
To Animal
Flow of gas from venlator to the animal.
From Animal
Flow of expired gas from animal to venlator.
Exhaust
Flow of expired air from the venlator. This gas may be vented to the room, collected,
and/or ltered if chemicals are present in the expired air.
Note: If gas anesthesia is used in conjuncon with the VentElite, proper scavenging must
be ulized to ensure safe evacuaon of the halogenated waste gas.
CAUTION: Do NOT vent anesthesia gases to room, proper scavenging methods must be
used. Contact our Technical Services team for more informaon or opons.
CAUTION: Do NOT connect VentElite to pressurized gas sources unless proper pressure
regulaon is provided to equalize the pressure with atmospheric pressure. Failure to do
so could result in excessive and unknown dal volumes delivered to the animal. Harvard
Apparatus suggests the connecon kits, 73-4872 for use in this applicaon.
Installation

12 Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Operation
GETTING STARTED
1. From the Settings Screen enter the Mode Selection Screen by selecng the
Mode buon
2. Select Volume Mode
3. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Mode Selecon
Volume Mode
1. Turn VentElite on and wait for the valve assembly to return to the home posion

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Operation
1. Set the respiraon rate by selecng the Respiration Rate buon in the top le corner
of the display screen
2. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to enter the desired respiraon rate from
10 to 300 breaths per minute
3. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Pressure Mode
1. From the Settings Screen enter the Mode Selection Screen by selecng the Mode buon
2. Select Pressure Mode
3. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Seng the Respiraon Rate

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Operation
Seng the Tidal Volume (Volume Mode only)
1. Set the dal volume by selecng the Tidal Volume buon in the top right corner of
the display screen
2. Use the Unit Selection buon under the selected volume box to toggle between
µl and ml
3. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to enter the desired dal volume from
50 µl to 5 ml per breath
4. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Note: Tidal Volume is only user dened in the Volume Mode. You cannot choose the
Tidal Volume in Pressure mode as it is calculated to maintain the target peak inspiratory
pressure (PIP).

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Seng the Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP)
Operation
1. Set the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) by selecng the PIP buon on the right side of
the display screen (second buon from the top)
2. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to enter the desired PIP from 1 to 50 cmH2O
3. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Note: PIP can, and should, be set in Volume Mode. In Volume Mode the PIP serves as a
desired maximum PIP that the user does not wish to exceed. The set value should not be
reached except in unexpected condions such as a blockage in the tubing. When the PIP
is reached in volume mode, the full set volume will not be delivered.
1. To change the rao of inspiraon to expiraon me from the default 50:50 select the
I:E buon located on the boom of the display screen, to the le of the start buon
I:E Rao

16 Publicaon 5420-009 REV1.0
Operation
1. To set a sigh breath select the Sigh buon located on the boom of the display
screen, to the right of the Sengs buon
2. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to select the % you would like the sigh
breath to increase
3. Use the %/Freq. buon to toggle from % to frequency
4. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to select the desired frequency of the sigh
breath. For a manual breath only use 0
5. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Note: In Volume Mode the entered sigh is a percentage increase in the dal volume.
In Pressure Mode the entered sigh is a percentage increase in the PIP.
Sigh Breath
2. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to enter the desired I:E rao from 20:80 to 80:20
3. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Note: Depending on the respiraon rate, the acceptable I:E range may dier
I:E Rao (connued)

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1. Set the Inspiratory Hold by selecng the Insp. Hold buon located on the boom of
the display screen
2. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to enter the desired Inspiratory Hold me
from 0 to 60 seconds
3. Use the Insp/Exp buon to toggle between seng an Inspiratory or Expiratory hold
4. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Note: While you are able to set either an inspiratory or expiratory hold, you are unable to
set both an inspiratory and expiratory hold simultaneously; you can choose to program
one or the other.
Operation
Inspiratory/Expiratory Hold

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1. To set a PEEP select the PEEP buon on the right side of the display screen
2. Use the keypad, or up and down arrows, to enter the desired PEEP from 0 to 10 cmH2O
3. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Note: The maximum PEEP allowed may dier depending on the PIP seng
Operation
Posive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)
SETTINGS
Sengs opons include the following:
• Audible Alarms • Upgrade Software
• Backlight • Mode
• System Information • Y-Axis Scale

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The VentElite has several Audible Alarms that the user can choose to mute should
they wish. These alarms are:
• Over Pressure: Indicates the PIP is greater than the pressure readback by
more than 10%
• Under Pressure: Indicates that the pressure readback at end of inhalaon is
80% less than the set PIP
• Occlusion: System detects a drasc increase in pressure of 30% or more above
the PIP, indicang an occlusion may be present
• High PEEP: Pressure reading at end of exhalaon is at least 1 cmH2O higher
than the set PEEP
• System alarms
1. In the Sengs screen, select Audible Alarms
2. A green ring around the alarm buon indicates that the audible alarm is acvated.
Mute an individual alarm by pressing the buon and the green ring will disappear;
this indicates that the alarm is muted
3. Mute all alarms by pressing the Mute All buon
4. Accept the changes made by pressing the and return to the main screen
OR Cancel the changes made by pressing the and go back to the main screen
Operation
Audible Alarms