Valleylab RapidVac 1009803 User manual

Service Manual
RapidVac™
Smoke Evacuator

ii RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Forward
This manual and the equipment it describes are for use only by qualified medical
professionals trained in the particular technique and surgical procedure to be
performed. It is intended as a guide for servicing the RapidVac™Smoke
Evacuator only. Additional users information is available in the RapidVac™
Smoke Evacuator User’s Guide.
Equipment covered in this manual
RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator - 110 V and 220 V
Part Number 1009803
Effective Date May 2008
Trademark acknowledgements
RapidVac™, is a trademark of Valleylab. All trade names referenced are the
trademarks, registered trademarks, or products of their respective manufacturers.
Manufactured for
Valleylab, a division of Tyco Healthcare Group LP
Boulder, Colorado 80301-3299 USA
European representative
Tyco Healthcare UK Ltd.
Gosport, PO13 0AS, UK
Device is compliant with the European Communities Council Directive
93/42/EEC, Medical Device Directive.
Printed in USA
©2008 Valleylab All rights reserved.
For information call
1-303-530-2300
Internet address
http://www.valleylab.com
Caution
Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual iii
Warranty
Valleylab, a division of Tyco Healthcare Group LP, warrants each product
manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service for the period(s) set forth below. Valleylab’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at its sole option, of
any product, or part thereof, which has been returned to it or its Distributor within
the applicable time period shown below after delivery of the product to the
original purchaser, and which examination discloses, to Valleylab’s satisfaction,
that the product is defective. This warranty does not apply to any product, or part
thereof, which has been repaired or altered outside Valleylab’s factory in a way so
as, in Valleylab’s judgment, to affect its stability or reliability, or which has been
subjected to misuse, neglect, or accident.
The warranty periods for Valleylab products are as follows:
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including
without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, and of all other obligations or liabilities on the part of Valleylab.
Valleylab neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to assume for it any
other liability in connection with the sale or use of any of Valleylab’s products.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein or in any other document or
communication, Valleylab’s liability with respect to this agreement and products
sold hereunder shall be limited to the aggregate purchase price for the goods sold
by Valleylab to the customer. There are no warranties which extend beyond the
terms hereof. Valleylab disclaims any liability hereunder or elsewhere in
connection with the sale of this product, for indirect or consequential damages.
ForceTriad™Energy Platform One year from date of shipment
Electrosurgical Generators One year from date of shipment
RFG-3C™Plus Lesion Generator One year from date of shipment
LigaSure™Vessel Sealing System One year from date of shipment
LigaSure™Reusable Instruments One year from date of shipment
Mounting Fixtures (all models) One year from date of shipment
Footswitches (all models) One year from date of shipment
Force Argon™Units One year from date of shipment
RapidVac™Smoke Evacuator One year from date of shipment
LigaSure™Sterile Single Use Items Sterility only as stated on packaging
Sterile Single Use Items Sterility only as stated on packaging
Patient Return Electrodes Shelf life only as stated on packaging

iv RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
This warranty and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be construed under
and governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, USA. The sole forum for
resolving disputes arising under or relating in any way to this warranty is the
District Court of the County of Boulder, State of Colorado, USA.
Valleylab, its dealers, and representatives reserve the right to make changes in
equipment built and/or sold by them at any time without incurring any obligation
to make the same or similar changes on equipment previously built and/or sold by
them.

RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual v
Conventions Used in this Guide
Warning
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
Caution
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
Notice
Indicates a hazard which may result in product damage.
Important
Indicates an operating tip or maintenance suggestion.

vi RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual

RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual vii
Table of Contents
Forward i-ii
Chapter 1. Introducing the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator
Parts Shipped with the Smoke Evacuator 1-2
About the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator 1-2
Features 1-3
RapidVac+ System 1-3
Operating Modes 1-3
Service Personnel Safety 1-4
General 1-4
Maintenance 1-6
Chapter 2. Controls, Indicators, and Receptacles
Front Panel 2-2
Power On/Off Switch 2-3
Air Flow Controls 2-3
Turbo Button 2-3
Filter Life Indicator 2-4
RapidVac+ Button 2-4
Footswitch Jack 2-4
Service Required Indicator 2-4
Rear Panel 2-5
Power Cord Receptacle/Fuse Tray 2-5
Remote Activator Jack 2-5
EPROM Jack (Covered) 2-6
Equipotential Grounding Lug 2-6
Chapter 3. Technical Specifications
Performance Characteristics 3-2
Dimensions and Weight 3-2
Filter 3-2
Airflow 3-2
Safety 3-2
Power 3-3
Operating Parameters 3-3
Transport and Storage 3-3
EMC for the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator 3-3
Electromagnetic Compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2) 3-3
Description of Symbols 3-4
Front Panel 3-4
Rear Panel 3-5
Standards and IEC Classifications 3-5

viii RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Chapter 4. Setup, Tests, and Maintenance
Cleaning the Smoke Evacuator 4-2
Testing the Smoke Evacuator 4-3
Checking the Remaining Filter Life 4-3
Changing the Filter 4-4
Testing the Airflow Controls 4-4
Installing and Testing the Footswitch (optional) 4-5
Installing and Testing the Remote Switch Activator (optional) 4-5
Installing and Testing the Generator Interlink Cable (optional) 4-6
Maintenance 4-7
Motor Brush Replacement 4-7
Chapter 5. Troubleshooting
Inspecting the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator 5-2
Correcting Specific Malfunctions 5-2
Chapter 6. Return Policy and Procedure
Responsibility of the Manufacturer 6-2
Obtaining a Return Authorization Number 6-2
Returning the Smoke Evacuator for Service 6-2
Service Centers 6-3
Chapter 7. RapidVac Schematic

RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual 1-1
1
Introducing the
RapidVac Smoke Evacuator
This section provides an overview of the features and functions of
the ForceTriad energy platform.
Caution
Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before
use.
Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with smoke evacuator
accessories before use. Specific instructions are not included in this manual.
Section

Parts Shipped with the Smoke Evacuator
1-2 RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Parts Shipped with the Smoke Evacuator
When unpacking the smoke evacuator, verify that the following parts are
included:
• Power cord
• User’s guide and service manual
• Quick reference card
Upon initial receipt, inspect the smoke evacuator for dents, cracks, or damage that
may have occurred during shipment. If damage is present, notify the freight
carrier for assessment.
Additional items available from Valleylab:
• Replacement RapidVac Filters
• RapidVac Footswitch
• RapidVac Remote Switch Activator
• Generator Interlink Cable
• Laparoscopic Smoke Evacuator Tubing Kit
• Hoses, tubing, adapters, wands and other accessories
About the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator captures particulates and adsorbs gases from
surgical smoke. The smoke evacuator is specifically designed to improve
visibility and reduce potential health hazards associated with surgical smoke. It
can be used in both open and laparoscopic procedures.
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator is designed with a high suction, high flow rate
centrifugal action pump. The ultra-quiet motor is used to draw the smoke from the
surgical site through the vacuum tubing and into the system where it is processed
by a series of filters. A single disposable filter is used to simplify the installation
and removal during filter changes. The filter is completely enclosed to protect the
healthcare personnel from potential contamination during filter changes.
One SEA3700 Filter contains four filtration stages to capture the smoke plume:
•Stage 1 - A prefilter that traps and removes gross particulate and
incidental fluid
•Stage 2 - An ULPA grade (Ultra Low Penetration Air) patented filter
captures particulates and micro-organisms down to 0.1 µm at 99.9995%
efficiency.
•Stage 3 - The highest grade virgin activated carbon, designed specifically
for Valleylab for the removal and adsorption of odors and toxic gases
produced by burning tissue. These harmful gases may constitute a health
hazard to healthcare professionals who are subjected to prolonged
exposure. The activated carbon used in the smoke evacuation system
preferentially removes toxic organic gases (rather than water vapor) and
provides optimal odor removal.
•Stage 4 - An expanded foam used to trap activated carbon fines from
migrating out of the filter.

About the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator
Introducing the RapidVac
Smoke Evacuator
RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual 1-3
Features
RapidVac Smoke Evacuator features include:
• Filter-life monitoring for its four-stage, 25-five hour filter
• Standby, RapidVac+, footswitch, or continuous operation modes
• Quiet operation
• Adjustable flow
• Compatibility with all Valleylab electrosurgery pencils and generators
RapidVac+ System
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator incorporates The RapidVac+ mode which
controls the flow of the smoke evacuator when using a Valleylab electrosurgical
pencil. When the electrosurgical pencil is activated, the smoke evacuator operates
in the preselected flow setting. When the pencil is deactivated, the air flow
reduces to a low-flow purge setting.
Two Valleylab accessories link the electrosurgical generator and smoke evacuator
to enable the RapidVac+ mode:
• RapidVac Remote Switch Activator
• Generator Interlink Cable
Operating Modes
Four operating modes are available: standby, footswitch, RapidVac+, and
continuous.
•Standby mode powers up the unit without activating the motor or vacuum
flow.
•Footswitch mode is used to turn the smoke evacuator on or off with the
optional footswitch pedal.
•RapidVac+ mode is used to control the vacuum flow simultaneously with
activation of an electrosurgical pencil. This mode is controlled with the
optional generator interlink or electrosurgery sensor.
•Continuous mode is used to operate the smoke evacuator using continuous
air flow.

Service Personnel Safety
1-4 RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Service Personnel Safety
General
Warning
During initial set up, inspect the smoke evacuator for any damage that may have
been caused during shipping. If damaged, do not use or attempt to repair. Call
Valleylab for service assistance.
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator filter is a disposable component that captures
potentially hazardous particles. Handle used filters as you would any
biohazardous material. Dispose of used filters according to your local codes and
regulations, and follow your institutions procedures for disposal.
The smoke evacuation filter has a life of approximately 25 hours of use and
should not be used beyond the specified time. If the Replace Filter indicator
illuminates during operation, the smoke evacuator will continue to run until it is
turned off. Turning power off to the smoke evacuator will require replacement of
the filter before subsequent use.
Failure to change the filter accordingly may result in decreased efficiency in
smoke evacuation and contamination of the motor, vacuum pump, and sound
absorbing media within the smoke evacuator.
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator filter is disposable. Dispose of used filters
according to your local codes and regulations, and follow your institutions
procedures for disposal
Do not operate this device in potentially explosive environments, such as in the
presence of flammable anesthetics.
Refer routine servicing to qualified biomedical technical personnel.
Use only with the power cord provided and always plug into a grounded outlet.
Do not use two- or three-prong adapters with the smoke evacuator power cords.
The power-cord assembly should be checked periodically for damaged insulation
or connectors. Do not use damaged cords.
Use of extension cords may result in fire hazards.
This device is not intended for the evacuation of fluid. If fluid is expected to be
aspirated to the smoke evacuation filter, a fluid collection device must be installed
with the vacuum hose assembly. Failure to install a fluid collection device could
cause filter blockage and electrical damage. Contact Valleylab Service for
additional information.
Do not connect a wet power cord to the wall receptacle.
Connect the smoke evacuator power cord to a properly grounded receptacle.
Plug the power cord directly into the power receptacle without any adapter plugs.
Use of power plug adapters may result in electric shock.

Service Personnel Safety
Introducing the RapidVac
Smoke Evacuator
RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual 1-5
Caution
Do not stack equipment on top of the smoke evacuator or place the smoke
evacuator on top of electrical equipment. These configurations are unstable and/
or do not allow for adequate cooling.
Use only Valleylab SEA3700 Filters in the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator. Filters
from other manufacturers may cause damage to the system, thereby voiding the
warranty.
Provide as much distance as possible between the smoke evacuator and other
electronic equipment (such as monitors). An activated smoke evacuator may
cause interference with them.
Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with the RapidVac Smoke
Evacuator before using.
To maximize patient safety, the tubing or wand should not come in direct contact
with tissue. Otherwise, patient injury may result.
Do not block either the tubing or the filter. If either becomes occluded or
significantly restricted, the motor/blower may overheat and cause the unit to shut
down.
Care must be exercised in the installation of hoses, adapters and suction
canisters. Failure to follow the procedures outlined in this manual may result in
overheating of the motor and may void the unit warranty.
Notice
Using any unapproved filter or accessory with the smoke evacuator may cause
damage and will void the warranty.
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator functions properly only when the ULPA filter is
installed properly. If the filter is installed incorrectly, the amber Replace Filter
indicator flashes and the Service indicator is illuminated.
Fluids may damage the filters. When evacuating smoke and incidental fluids,
always use the appropriate tubing,
Connect the power cord to a wall receptacle having the correct voltage.
Otherwise, product damage will result.
Power line voltage below 100 Vac (110 V SEA3690) and 200 Vac (220 V
SEA3695) will significantly reduce airflow.
Connecting multiple lengths of tubing together may cause the smoke evacuator
to overheat.
The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator has been specially designed to fit on Valleylab
mounting carts only. Do not install the smoke evacuator on a cart other than a
Valleylab cart. Installing the smoke evacuator inside a cart with improper
ventilation may result in overheating or may adversely affect the stability of the
cart.
Periodically check the cart brackets that hold the smoke evacuator in place to
ensure that the screws are securely fastened.
Stacking the smoke evacuator on top of a generator may cause an unstable
condition and/or cause the smoke evacuator to overheat.

Service Personnel Safety
1-6 RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Maintenance
Warning
Always turn off and unplug the smoke evacuator before cleaning.
The ULPA filter captures potentially hazardous particles. Handle used filters as
you would any biohazardous material. Dispose of filters with other operative
waste materials according to the procedures for your institution.
Caution
Do not reuse or resterilize smoke evacuator accessories labeled “disposable,”
“single use only,” or “sterile.”
Notice
Do not rub, touch, or clean the smoke evacuator with alcohol or caustic,
corrosive, or abrasive cleaning or disinfectant compounds, solvents, or other
materials that could scratch the control panel or damage the smoke evacuator.
Do not autoclave, pressure sterilize, or gas sterilize the smoke evacuator.
Keep the smoke evacuator away from liquids. Liquids that enter the smoke
evacuator will damage internal components.

RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual 2-1
2
Controls, Indicators, and Receptacles
This section describes the front and rear panels of the smoke
evacuator, including all controls, indicators, receptacles, and ports.
Section

Front Panel
2-2 RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Front Panel
1Power On/Off switch
2Air-flow indicators (LED)
3Turbo button
4Air-flow controls
5Power on indicator (LED centered in fan symbol)
6Filter life indicators (LED)
7RapidVac+ button
8Service required indicator
9Footswitch jack
Air filter with tubing connectors
Smoke Evacuator
+
-
RapidVac
Smoke Evacuator Filter
3/8"
7/8"
1/4"
10 mm
22 mm
6 mm
RapidVac









Front Panel
Controls, Indicators, and
Receptacles
RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual 2-3
The electronic system controls on the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator are easy to
understand and simple to use. The control panel contains the suction on/off
switch, suction power adjustment, filter life indicator, and service indicator light.
Power On/Off Switch
The power switch that controls power to the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator is
located in the lower-left corner of the front panel. To power up the smoke
evacuator, place the power switch in the ON position ( l ). The smoke evacuator
starts in standby (system power is on with no suction). When the smoke evacuator
is on in standby, the LED in the center of the fan symbol on the front panel will
blink continually until a fan speed is selected.
Turn the system power off by placing the power switch in the OFF position ( O ).
Air Flow Controls
The level of suction is controlled by the air-flow controls. up-arrow ( ) and
down-arrow ( ) buttons. To start the fan from standby mode, press the up-arrow
button. It starts in the lowest suction setting indicated by a single illuminated air-
flow indicator.
The suction control should be set at the lowest practical setting to completely
remove the surgical smoke from the operative site. Pressing either the up- or
down-arrow buttons changes the current suction level by 20%. The selected level
of suction is displayed by the air-flow indicator LEDs.
Turbo Button
When increased smoke removal is necessary, the Turbo button may be pressed at
anytime to increase suction. Turbo mode effectively increases the airflow to 100%
suction flow to quickly remove the smoke plume from the surgical site.
Caution
Connect accessories to the proper receptacle type. Otherwise, the smoke
evacuator may not function properly.
Accessory equipment connected to interfaces must be certified according to
IEC 60601-1-1. All configurations shall comply with the system standard
IEC 60601-1-1. The user is responsible for verifying that accessory equipment
connections comply with the system requirements of IEC 60601-1-1. If in doubt,
contact Valleylab.
Notice
Read all instructions before installing accessories or operating this equipment.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the unit and/or personal injury.

Front Panel
2-4 RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
Filter Life Indicator
The filter life indicator provides a visual indication of the status of the life of the
filter in use. Each illuminated LED represents five hours of remaining time on the
25-hour filter. The RapidVac Smoke Evacuator tracks the time each filter has
been used allowing for an accurate display of remaining use for new or previously
used filters.
Reading the Filter Life Indicator
Install an unused RapidVac filter into the system. When the smoke evacuator is
on, all five of the filter life indicator LEDs illuminate indicating the new filter has
100% filter life. The indicator will regress through subsequent LEDs until the
final LED is illuminated indicating less than 5 hours of filter life remaining. At
one hour remaining, the LED changes to amber. When the time remaining reaches
30 minutes, the amber LED flashes slowly.
RapidVac+ Button
When the smoke evacuator is connected to a generator using the Generator
Interlink Cable, pressing the RapidVac+ button synchronizes the smoke
evacuator with the use of an electrosurgical pencil. When a pencil is activated, the
smoke evacuator activates to a preselected air flow level.
Footswitch Jack
A RapidVac Footswitch (SEA3745) is available for use with the RapidVac
Smoke Evacuator.
A footswitch may be added to any system by simply plugging it into the
footswitch jack on the front panel. The unit may be turned on or off by depressing
the footswitch pedal once for each operation. For footswitching operation, the
smoke evacuator should be on and the suction level to be activated from the
footswitch should be selected on the control panel.
Service Required Indicator
The motor powering the RapidVac Smoke Evacuator has two motor brushes that
require regular maintenance every 500 hours. When the smoke evacuator has
been in use for 500 hours, the Service Required Indicator illuminates. Replace the
motor brushes as directed in “Motor Brush Replacement” on page 4-7. After
brush replacement, reset the system by simultaneously depressing the up- and
down-arrow air flow controls until the Service Required Indicator turns off.

Rear Panel
Controls, Indicators, and
Receptacles
RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual 2-5
Rear Panel
Power Cord Receptacle/Fuse Tray
The cord receptacle provides power to the smoke evacuator using a removable
cord appropriate for regional power supplies. Cord can be wound on the cord
brackets to store with the smoke evacuator.
Two 10 AMP fuses in the 110V model (8 AMP for 220V) are located in a
removable tray adjacent to the cord receptacle. Fuses electrically protect the
system from damage and the operator from injury. If the system is overheated or if
there is an electrical surge in the electrical system, fuses will open and the system
will not operate. To re-start the system, unplug the power cord and replace the
fuses.
Remote Activator Jack
A Generator Interlink Cable (SEA3730) and Remote Switch Activator
(SEA3740) are available for the automatic remote activation of the RapidVac
Smoke Evacuator.






250V,T10.0A-(100-120V)
250V,T8.0A-(220-240V)
Remote
Activator
1Cord brackets
2Carrying handle
3Power-cord receptacle/fuse tray
4Remote Activator jack
5EPROM jack
6Equipotential grounding lug

Rear Panel
2-6 RapidVac™ Smoke Evacuator Service Manual
The Generator Interlink Cable is compatible with the Valleylab Force FX™,
ForceEZ™, and ForceTriad™ generators. It attaches to a generator’s RF
activation port and to the smoke evacuator’s Remote Activator jack. When the
generator is activated, the smoke evacuator automatically initiates the pre-set
suction.
The Remote Switch Activator is a programmable switch that plugs into the smoke
evacuator jack and is attached to an electrosurgical generator. The remote switch
is programmed to recognize the audible tones used by the generator. When the
tone for cut or coag sounds, the remote switch automatically initiates the pre-set
suction.
EPROM Jack (Covered)
The EPROM jack located under the secured cover is to be used only by qualified
Valleylab service technicians to update the smoke evacuator’s software.
Equipotential Grounding Lug
The equipotential grounding lug provides an alternate rout for electrical energy
back to ground when attached to an earth-ground cable.