TensCare Elise User manual

Instructions for use
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CONTENTS
INTELLIGENT CONTINENCE STIMULATOR
Section: Page
Introduction: 3
elpline: 3
Feedback: 3
1Elise Features: 4
2Types of Incontinence: 5
3Advantages of the Elise: 5
4ow Continence Stimulation Works: 6
5Continence Programmes: 7 - 12
6Cautions and Warnings: 13
7Controls: 14 - 17
8Screen Information: 18
9Usage Memory: 19
10 Leads Alarm: 20
11 Troubleshooting: 21
12 Contents: 21
13 Using the Elise: 22
14 Probe ygiene: 23
15 Anal Probe: 23
16 Charging the battery: 24 - 25
17 Consumables and Servicing: 26
18 Guarantee: 27
19 WEEE: 27
20 Technical Specications: 28 - 31
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INTRODUCTION
The Elise may help, if not cure, Stress,
Urge or Mixed Incontinence.
The Elise was developed in conjunction with professional
continence advisers, taking into account feedback from users
of our existing products. The Elise offers the best results,
is comfortable and easy to use.
HEL LINE
A helpline is available, Monday to Friday. Call:
[phone]
or email:
[e-mail]
FEEDBACK
TensCare aim to give you the best possible product and service.
We listen to your suggestions and are constantly trying to improve our
products. We also want to learn about the way our products are used,
and the benets they give. If you have anything you would like to
share with us, please contact:
[e-mail]
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1. ELISE FEATURES
• Comfortable Stimulation TM
The strength of the stimulation increases gradually, making the
feeling very comfortable and in your control.
• Easy Start - One Touch Memory
The Elise has intelligent memory that enables the unit to remember
the last programme and the strength setting used. At the press of
only one button the strength level returning to 50% of the last level
used.
• Clinically tested programmes
The programmes which have been preset into the unit have been
clinically tested and proven to be highly effective.
• Safety Duration Override
A safety duration override feature has been incorporated into the
Elise to ensure that the pelvic oor muscle is not overworked. This is
set at twenty minutes after which time the unit will switch off. It is
possible to alter the time in order to customise the unit to your
needs.
• Usage Memory
The Elise has a Usage Memory which shows the length of time that
the unit has been in use and the average level of strength utilised.
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery
The Elise is the rst electrotherapy unit to use a slimline Li-ion
battery. It gives a long and slender prole in a well tried format.
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2. TY ES OF INCONTINENCE
There are three types of incontinence: Stress, Urge, and Mixed.
• Stress Incontinence
Describes the involuntary leakage of urine when a person coughs,
sneezes, strains or makes sudden movements. It is particularly
common in women and occurs when the bladder neck and the
other mechanisms that act to hold urine in the bladder are not
working properly.
• Urge Incontinence
Describes an overactive bladder. A person may experience a strong
and sudden urge to go to the toilet but are not always able to hold
on, or have to go so frequently that it becomes inconvenient.
• Mixed Incontinence
Is a combination of both Stress and Urge Incontinence.
3. ADVANTAGES OF THE ELISE
• It can reduce leakage – not simply contain it
• It is Drug Free with no side effects
• It is Safe and Easy to use
• It is Discreet
• It may help to avoid surgery
and
• It may improve sexual intimacy
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4. HOW CONTINENCE
STIMULATION WORKS
The Elise, through a vaginal probe or pads, sends a gentle stimulation
to your pelvic oor muscles using clinically recognised programmes.
The Elise works the pelvic oor muscles for you and helps you to
develop your own muscle control. It perfectly compliments pelvic
oor exercises. The Elise is the result of considerable research and
consultation with continence advisors.
It is also possible to treat faecal incontinence in both males
and females using an anal probe.
Please note that we recommend the Liberty vaginal probe
(as supplied with the unit) and accessories listed on page 26
as the unit has been tested with these.
In some instances, where a probe is not appropriate -
particularly with Urge Incontinence - it is possible to treat
incontinence by using electrode pads placed on the body.
If in doubt contact your continence adviser before using the Elise.
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5. CONTINENCE ROGRAMMES
The Elise has four preset programmes. One for each type of
incontinence and a fourth for toning of the pelvic oor muscles.
STRESS INCONTINENCE:
Shown on the screen as: “STRES”
The STRESS incontinence programme
strengthens the muscles of the pelvic oor
using gentle stimulation. Once muscular
strength has been improved these muscles
are better able to resist urinary leakage
caused by external pressure being applied
to the bladder such as with a cough, sneeze
or physical exertion.
The stimulation causes the muscles
to contract and work thereby building
their strength.
Successful treatment requires stimulation
once a day for one to three months.
Improvement starts becoming apparent
after about four weeks. It helps to keep a
record of leakage problems so that you
have an objective measure of your progress.
The sensation is like a strong drawing in of
the muscles of the vagina, pulling up of the
pelvic oor. Your natural reaction will be to
pull your muscles in and up, thereby
exercising and strengthening them.
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URGE INCONTINENCE:
Shown on the screen as: “URGE”
The URGE incontinence programme
reduces the involuntary contractions
of the bladder (detrusor) muscle.
This prevents the unwanted and
unexpected emptying of the bladder.
Successful treatment will require
stimulation once a day and improvements
can be seen in as little as two weeks.
The sensation is of a longer and softer
pulling in of the pelvic oor than the
Stress programme.
When the programme nishes, and your
pelvic oor relaxes, it will become apparent
how much your situation has improved.
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MIXED INCONTINENCE:
Shown on the screen as: “MIXED”
This programme is perfect if you are
suffering from both Stress and Urge
incontinence or are not sure which form
of incontinence is the problem.
The stimulation frequency is midway
between Stress and Urge.
The sensation, as you might expect, is like a
combination of both the Stress and Urge
programmes. The overall effect is not such a
strong feeling as the Stress programme plus
a slight pleasurable throbbing sensation.
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TONE:
Shown on the screen as: “TONE”
aving restored your pelvic oor muscles
to an excellent condition you will want
to keep them toned and strong.
Regular use of this programme, about twice
a week, will ensure that your muscles
remain t and toned.
The TONE programme may also be used as
an alternative treatment for STRESS.
The sensation when using the Tone
programme is a mixture of a strong
drawing in of the muscles and then
releasing. The programme repeats the
sensation. A strong and t pelvic oor
muscle may increase sexual health
and enjoyment.
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GENERAL OINTS
i) The Stress, Mixed and Tone programmes exercise the pelvic oor
muscles. The sensation is like a strong drawing in of the muscles of the
vagina, pulling up of the pelvic oor. The muscle MUST contract in
order to give a benet.
Increase the strength as high as is comfortable, and then take it back
down one step. The level required varies widely between users – some
will use the Elise at full power – 99.5
ii) It is advisable not to ‘overdo’ it early on. As long as you can feel the
contraction, it is working. You can build up slowly over a number of
days. With the rst few sessions the muscles may ache the next day–
the same reaction you would get with any unaccustomed exercise.
With the pelvic oor, this gives a ‘cramping’ feeling. If this happens,
stop using your Elise until the aching goes away, then start again
using a lower strength and a shorter treatment time. As the pelvic
oor begins to improve, it will be possible to maintain the stimulation
for longer.
iii) The Urge programme works differently. There is no need to have a
contraction. As long as you can feel the stimulation easily,
it is working. You may need to increase the strength during the
treatment session.
iv) For best results in the stress and mixed programmes try to contract
the pelvic oor muscles along with the Elise, and to sustain the
contraction into the rest interval. If possible, link the contraction to
your breathing in order to get into a gentle rhythm.
v) Once the pelvic oor has been strengthened using the Elise,
continue to exercise the pelvic oor muscles. The pelvic oor needs to
be worked and reacts very well to such exercises.
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GENERAL OINTS (CONTINUED)
vi) The length of each session for muscle strengthening will also
depend on your ability to contract and your resistance to fatigue. Be
careful not to overuse early on, as the resulting aches may not be felt
until the next day.
vii) All programmes cycle between "work" and "rest" to allow your
muscles to recover in between contractions. During the "rest" period,
the strength display ashes "000".
viii) When you change the strength setting, this cycle stays on "work"
until you stop pressing the buttons for more than 5 seconds.
ix) The usages mentioned for each programme are guidelines only,
and may be altered depending on your personal needs.
x) You may feel the stimulation through the probe more strongly on
one side than the other.
A strong and t pelvic oor muscle may increase
sexual health and enjoyment.
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6. CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
Do NOT use the Elise under the following circumstances:
• If you have a heart pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem
• If you are pregnant
• If you have been diagnosed or treated for cervical,
or any pelvic, cancer
• If you have, or have had epilepsy
• Whilst driving, or during any activity in which involuntary muscle
contractions may put the user at undue risk of injury
• Within 12 weeks of surgery in the area. Scars should be fully healed
before use
IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT YOUR P YSICIAN.
BEFORE USE, LEASE READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS:
• Incontinence can have many causes. You should try to identify the
type of incontinence and the cause before using the Elise.
• If you have a urinary infection or any skin irritations within the vagina,
it is recommended not to use the Elise.
• Care must be taken if you are not experiencing normal sensation or
feeling in your vagina. Please see the section about inserting the probe.
• If you have a severe prolapse, or any discomfort occurs when
inserting the probe, consult your medical advisor before use.
• If you use a copper IUD, stop use immediately if you experience
discomfort. There is a very small risk of stimulation of the uterine wall
if the IUD is not correctly located.
NB: You may safely use the stimulator during menstruation,
although it may be a little less comfortable.
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7. CONTROLS
ON / OFF Button
Strength DOWN
rogramme
Timer
Strength U
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7. CONTROLS
ON / OFF Button
To switch unit ON:
Press and hold down for 3 seconds.
When the unit is switched ON an
audible “Beep” will be heard.
One Touch Memory Start
When switched on the unit will
automatically start in the programme
which was being used when it was
switched off. The strength returns to about
50% of the level that was being used when
the unit was switched off. This simplies
start up dramatically.
During start up to stop the increase in
strength at any time, press any key once.
To switch unit off: Press and hold down the
button for 3 seconds and the unit will
switch off. When the unit switches OFF
an audible double “Beep” will be heard.
NOTE: Always check unit is OFF
before removing probe or pads.
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7. CONTROLS
Strength U Button
To increase strength: Press and hold down
until required strength is achieved.
.
Press and release to increase in soft and
gentle 0.5 steps.
The unit will remain in the “Work” part of
the cycle for 5 seconds while the strength is
being adjusted
Strength DOWN Button
To decrease strength: old down button
and strength will decrease steadily in 0.5
steps.
rogramme Button
The Elise has specically selected
programmes. When you FIRST switch
on the unit automatically goes to
programme STRES.
Next time it is switched on it will default to
the programme last used.
Each time the “P” button is pressed and
released the programme changes. The
screen will show the programme selected
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7. CONTROLS
Time Selector button
Each time you switch on the Elise the
length of time of your programme will
automatically revert to 20 minutes.
During use the unit counts down the
minutes which are shown on the screen.
On reaching zero the unit will switch off.
By repeatedly pressing and releasing the
Timer button you can manually override
and select 10, 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes or
continuous time.
The length of time that you have selected
will be shown on the screen. The minutes
will start to count down once you start
the programme.
If you hold down this key for 3 seconds,
you can PAUSE the timer, allowing you to
interrupt the treatment session, and
resume it later. Return to main screen by
pressing any other key.
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8. SCREEN INFORMATION
Time Remaining (mins)
rogramme
Strength
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9. USAGE MEMORY
The Elise has a usage memory which remembers the length of time
and average strength that has been used.
To activate hold down the Time Selector and strength UP buttons
together for 3 seconds. The screen will show the time in hours (to the
nearest hour) and strength in mA.
old down Time Selector and strength DOWN button together
for 3 seconds to reset the memory to zero.
Time in hours
Average strength
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10. LEADS ALARM
The Elise monitors the connection and the contact
between you and probe, or pads.
If either of these goes outside of a standard range
while the strength is above 20.0 , the unit will ash “LEADS”,
bleep three times, and return strength to zero.
Check the lead and if necessary, lubricate the probe.
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