Advantages of StableVac
- StableVac reduces total fluid use by an estimated 70%*, creating significant savings in fluid costs and a noticeably dryer OR environment
- Reducing the amount of fluid used during a procedure also reduces the effect of extravasation into the surrounding soft tissue
- StableVac easily integrates into the surgical setting and is compatible with all peripheral hand pieces
- Hands-free control of outflow
- High vacuum levels without the risk of pressure loss
- Stable operative view with absence of fluid turbulence caused by fluctuating flow rates
Example
Normal gravity infusion creates flow rates around 1,200cc/min with a 5.0mm cannula. When the shaver is activated with wall suction, standard 6mm ID tubing will allow outflow rates around 2,000cc/min. Since there is more fluid leaving the joint than entering, there is not enough fluid left for distention and therefore the joint is not in equilibrium.
Attaching StableVac Restricted Flow™ tubing to the shaver and suction canister, infusion rates are unaffected and remain at 1,200cc/min with a 5.0mm cannula. Outflow rates however, are reduced to 800cc/min allowing a positive 400cc/min of fluid in the joint to ensure visualization and sufficient egress of debris. Since the joint is now in equilibrium the surgeon is no longer required to partially occlude the suction tubing or use an infusion pump.
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StableVac Restricted Flow™
StableVac’s Restricted Flow™ technology incorporates Poiseuille’s theory of flow, where a reduction in the diameter of tubing creates a restriction in the flow of fluid causing a reduction in the rate of outflow. StableVac uses a 3mm ID tubing to create this resistance in flow. By reducing the rate of outflow the surgeon is no longer required to manually occlude the suction tubing or increase the rate of inflow to prevent joint collapse. Since this reduction in outflow is independent of suction, StableVac does not compromise vacuum. This will ensure sufficient egress of fluid and debris from the joint while maintaining a safe in-joint pressure.
The StableVac Filter
To prevent clogging of the smaller diameter tubing, StableVac incorporates a proprietary filtering device. Placed between the 3mm tubing and the standard 6mm suction tubing, the StableVac filter system captures surgical debris from the suction instrument and prevents material larger than 3mm to pass through. This allows for an enhancement of the safety and efficiency of arthroscopy procedures by prohibiting material from clogging the tubing.