AtriCure EMT1 Synergy Access Surgical Ablation System Instruction Manual

AtriCure EMT1 Synergy Access Surgical Ablation System

Product Information

The ATRICURE Bipolar (Transpolar) System is a surgical ablation
system that is used for the ablation of cardiac tissue during surgery. It is primarily used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and includes the following components:

• ISOLATOR Synergy Access: This component includes a distal jaw, proximal jaw, distal jaw plug, attachment tip, electrodes, jaw heel, handle, closure lever, release mechanism, connector, andarticulation knob.
• Glidepath Tape Instrument Guide: This component includes a lateral tab, distal pocket, instrument attachment tip, red elastic leader, clear ribbon and accessory ribbon.

The product should be used with caution in the presence of internal or external pacemakers as interference produced with the use of electrosurgical devices can cause devices such as a pacemaker to enter an asynchronous mode or can block the pacemaker entirely.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Before using the ATRICURE Bipolar (Transpolar) System, examine the packaging of the devices to ensure the sterility of the product has not been breached.
2. Remove the sterilized instruments from their package per standard sterile technique.
3. When using the ISOLATOR Synergy Access component, do not touch the electrodes while activating the ASU to avoid electrical shock or burns.
4. Avoid touching the electrodes of the ISOLATOR to metal staples or clips, or to sutures while activating the ASU as this may damage the ISOLATOR or tissue or result in an incomplete ablation.
5. Use saline-soaked gauze to clean debris off the electrodes of the ISOLATOR Synergy Access component and avoid using abrasive cleaners or electrosurgical tip cleaners as they can damage the electrodes and result in device failure.
6. Do not immerse any part of the ISOLATOR Synergy Access component in liquids as this may damage the device.
7. Always wear the appropriate surgical gloves when using the ATRICURE Bipolar (Transpolar) System to avoid shock/burn hazards.
8. When using electrosurgery, use caution in the presence of internal or external pacemakers and consult the pacemaker manufacturer or hospital Cardiology department for further information when use of electrosurgical appliances is planned in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

FIGURE 1
ATRICURE ISOLATOR SYNERGY ACCESS NOMENCLATURE

(SYNERGY ACCESS INLINE SYRINGE GRIP CLAMPS)

1. Distal Jaw
2. Proximal Jaw
3. Distal Jaw Plug
4. Attachment Tip
5. Electrodes
6. Jaw Heel
7. Handle
8. Closure Lever
9. Release Mechanism
10. Connector
11. Articulation Knob

FIGURE 2
GLIDEPATH TAPE INSTRUMENT GUIDE NOMENCLATURE

1. Lateral Tab
2. Distal Pocket
3. Instrument Attachment Tip
4. Red Elastic Leader
5. Clear Ribbon
6. Accessory Ribbon

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

DESCRIPTION

The ATRICURE SYNERGY ACCESS Ablation System is comprised of the Ablation and Sensing Unit (ASU), SYNERGY ACCESS, Footswitch, and AtriCure Switch Matrix (ASB). The SYNERGY ACCESS is a single patient use electrosurgical instrument designed for use with the ASU and ASB. When activated, the ASU delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the linear electrodes on the insulated jaws of the device. The Operator controls the application of this RF energy by pressing the Footswitch. The Synergy ACCESS clamp features two pairs of opposing dual electrodes, an articulating end-effector, and an in-line handle with syringe-type actuation and button release mechanisms. There is a GLIDEPATH Tape Instrument Guide that is attached to the distal jaw of the device. The GLIDEPATH Tape Instrument Guide is a single patient, detachable, surgical device designed to facilitate the guidance of surgical instruments through soft tissue during general surgical procedures.
NOTE: Please refer to the ATRICURE ASU and ASB Instructions for Use for information specific to the ASU and ASB.

INDICATION FOR USE

The ATRICURE Bipolar (Transpolar) System is indicated for ablation of cardiac tissue during surgery including pulmonary vein isolation and atrial connecting lesions for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
The Bipolar (Transpolar) System is not indicated for contraceptive coagulation of the fallopian tubes.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Device
Possible complications related to the creation of the linear lesions in cardiac tissue using a clamp-type device may be included but not limited to:

• Tissue Cutting
• Perioperative heart rhythm disturbance (atrial and/or ventricular)
• Postoperative embolic complications
• Pericardial effusion or tamponade
• Injury to the great vessels
• Conduction disturbances (SA/AV node)
• Acute ischemic myocardial event
• Injury to unintended surrounding tissue structures, including tears and punctures
• Bleeding requiring intervention to repair
• Extension of cardiopulmonary bypass

Procedure

Serious adverse events that may be associated with surgical ablation procedures on the heart (stand alone or concomitant to other cardiac surgery), include:

• Death
• Excessive bleeding related to the procedure  requires >3  /or surgical intervention)
• Cardiac tamponade (if either open or catheter drainage is required)
• Pulmonary vein stenosis
• Restrictive (constrictive) pericarditis,
• Endocarditis
• Myocardial infarction (MI) per ACC guidelines
• Stroke (resulting in permanent neurological deficit)
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Thromboembolism
• Diaphragmatic paralysis
• Esophageal-LA fistula or esophageal rupture
• Atrial perforation or rupture
• Ventricular perforation or rupture
• Atelectasis
• Pneumonia
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Cardiac Valve Injury
• Persistent Pneumothorax (requiring intervention)
• Excessive Pain and Discomfort
• Deep Sternal Wound Infection
• Ventricular Arrhythmia (V. Tachycardia or V. Fibrillation)
• New Sinus Node Dysfunction, and
• Drug Reaction

WARNINGS
Do not touch the electrodes of the ISOLATOR while activating the ASU. Touching the ISOLATOR electrodes during ASU activation could result in an electrical shock or burn to the operator.
Do not touch the electrodes of the ISOLATOR to metal staples or clips, or to sutures while activating the ASU. This may damage the ISOLATOR or tissue, or result in an incomplete ablation.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or electrosurgical tip cleaners to clean debris from the Jaws. Use of abrasive cleaners or electrosurgical tip cleaners can damage the electrodes and result in device failure. Use saline-soaked gauze to clean debris off the electrodes.
Do not immerse any part of the ISOLATOR in liquids as this may damage the device.
Always wear the appropriate surgical gloves when using the ATRICURE ISOLATOR Surgical Ablation System to avoid shock/burn hazards.
Inspect the product packaging prior to opening to ensure that the sterility barrier is not breached. If the sterility barrier is breached, do not use the ISOLATOR to avoid the risk of patient infection.
Electrosurgery should be used with caution in the presence of internal or external pacemakers. Interference produced with the use of electrosurgical devices can cause devices such as a pacemaker to enter an asynchronous mode or can block the pacemaker entirely. Consult the pacemaker manufacturer or hospital Cardiology department for further information when use of electrosurgical appliances is planned in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

PRECAUTIONS

• Read all instructions carefully for the ATRICURE SYNERGY ACCESS Surgical Ablation System, prior to using the device. Failure to properly follow instructions may lead to electrical or thermal injury and may result in improper functioning of the device.
• Use of the ISOLATOR should be limited to properly trained and qualified medical personnel.
• Use ISOLATOR only for soft tissue ablation. Variations in specific procedures may occur due to individual physician techniques and patient anatomy.
• Do not drop or toss the ISOLATOR as this may damage the device. If the ISOLATOR is dropped, do not use. Replace with a new ISOLATOR.
• Do not use the ISOLATOR in the presence of flammable materials.
• Do not re-sterilize or reuse the ISOLATOR. Desterilization may cause loss of function or injury to the patient.
• Keep the Jaws of the ISOLATOR clean of debris during surgery to avoid loss of power.
• Do not use the ISOLATOR with another manufacturer’s generator to avoid damage to the device, which may result in patient injury. The ISOLATOR is only compatible with the ATRICURE ASU and ASB.
• Do not ablate tissue greater than 10 mm thick (uncompressed) with the ISOLATOR. Tissues greater than 10 mm thick may not be fully ablated.
• Do not use the ISOLATOR for coagulation or ablation of veins or arteries.
• Inspect the area between the Jaws of the ISOLATOR for foreign matter before activating the ASU or ASB. Foreign matter captured between the Jaws will adversely affect the ablation.
• Do not insert excessive tissue into the Jaw heel as it may result in poor ablation at the Jaw heel.
• Do not ablate in pool of blood or other fluids as this may extend the ablation time. Users should suction excess fluids away from the jaws prior to ablation.
• Do not attempt to use an ISOLATOR that has reached its time limit expiration. The ISOLATOR has an 8 hour useful life that is tracked by the ASU. The ISOLATOR will no longer function after 8 hours of use and the ASU will display a message indicating that the ISOLATOR must be replaced.
• Do not use the ISOLATOR if signs of damaged wire insulation are noted upon inspection of the area around the Jaw heel as it may adversely affect ablation performance.
• When the ASU (RF generator) and Handpiece are used on a patient simultaneously with physiological monitoring equipment, ensure that the monitoring electrodes are placed as far as possible from the surgical electrodes. Be sure to position the Handpiece cables so that they do not come in contact with the patient or the other leads.
• Needle monitoring electrodes are not recommended for use when operating the ASU (RF generator) and Handpiece.
• Monitoring systems that incorporate high frequency current-limiting devices are recommended for use with the ASU (RF generator) and Handpiece.
• When the ASU (RF generator) is activated in conjunction with the Handpiece, the conducted and radiated electrical fields may interfere with other electrical medical equipment. Refer to the ASU IFU for more information regarding potential electromagnetic or other interference, and advice regarding avoidance of such interference.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE SET UP

1. Examine the packaging of the devices to ensure the sterility of the product has not been breached. Remove the sterilized instruments from their package per standard sterile technique.

2.  With the Connector Alignment Arrow symbol in the 12 o’clock position, push the Connector into the appropriate ISOLATOR receptacle on the front of the ASB (Figure 3). To ensure device performance, verify proper connections to the ASB by consulting the ASB package insert. Verify that the connections between the ISOLATOR and the ASB are secure. If the connections are loose, do not use the ISOLATOR. Inspect the Cable and do not use the ISOLATOR if the cable is frayed or the insulation is damaged.

3. If the ISOLATOR is to be used with a supplied GLIDEPATH Instrument Guide (Detachable Guide – Figure 2), go to step 4. If the ISOLATOR is not to be used with the instrument guide, go to step 18.
   POSITIONING OF GLIDEPATH TAPE GUIDE

4. The Guide may be used with commercially available general dissection or surgical clamping tools
   (auxiliary tools) to create and maintain a dissection plane that facilitates placement of the ISOLATOR clamp around structures per standard surgical technique.

5. Examine the Guide package to ensure the sterility of the product has not been breached. Remove the Guide from its packaging per standard sterile technique.

6. Secure the proximal end of the Guide to the sterile drape near the surgical site.

7.  insert the distal end of the auxiliary tool completely into the distal pocket of the clear ribbon portion of the Guide. (Figure 4)

8. Maintain attachment of the distal portion of the Guide to the auxiliary tool during positioning of the Guide.
   Note: Lubrication may be applied to the Guide at the user’s discretion.

9. Once the desired placement of the Guide is achieved, use a grasping device to grasp one of the Lateral Tabs (Figure 2) on the Guide and remove the Guide from the auxiliary tool. Externally secure the distal end of the Guide near the surgical site. (Figure 5)
   Note: If an articulating dissection tool is used, un-articulating the device may facilitate removal of the Guide.

10. If desired, the Guide can be used for soft tissue retraction or to introduce additional Instruments through the previously created positioning plane.
    INSTRUMENT EXCHANGE (DETACHABLE GUIDE)

11. Prior to attaching the Guide to the ISOLATOR, unclamp the proximal end of the leader from the sterile drape.

12. Remove the Distal Jaw Plug by rotating the Distal Jaw Plug counter-clockwise.

13. While holding the Guide as shown in Figure 6, align the rib with top surface of distal jaw and insert the Instrument Attachment Pin (Figure 2) into the I SOLATOR attachment tip (Figure 1) and turn clockwise 180° until secured. Once Guide is secured, do not attempt to remove by forcibly pulling on Guide.

14. Use the guide to facilitate the placement of the ISOLATOR in the previously created positioning plane.

15. Carefully remove the guide from the distal jaw after ISOLATOR placement by turning the GUIDE counterclockwise 180°.
    NOTE: The accessory ribbon allows the surgeon to create a dissection plane in one direction (inferior or superior) and maneuver the tape and leader through the dissection plane so that an instrument (clamp) can be used from the opposite direction.

16. If it is required to reverse the direction of device placement, the accessory ribbon is attached to the distal pocket of the primary transfer tape. (Figure 4)

17. After creation of the dissection plane, pull the distal end of the primary tape while providing counter traction on the proximal end of the accessory ribbon so that the leader is pulled through the dissection plane.
    ABLATION
    NOTE: A minimum tissue incision of 12 mm is recommended for insertion of the ISOLATOR.
    NOTE: The ISOLATOR Synergy ACCESS has a passive articulation joint. At any time during the procedure, the user may lock the endeffector at a desired angle (± 30 degree range) by rotating the articulation knob clockwise. The user may unlock the articulation joint by rotating the knob counter-clockwise.

18. Place the targeted tissue between the Distal and Proximal Jaws.

19. Squeeze the Closure Lever to close the Jaws. Ensure that no target tissue extends beyond the Indicator Line on either the Distal or Proximal Jaws or into the Jaw Heel.

20. Activate the ASU by depressing the footswitch. When the ASU is activated, the ASU will emit an audible tone indicating that current is flowing between the Jaws of the ISOLATOR. When the continuous tone switches to intermittent, release the footswitch.

21. The ATRICURE Synergy Access measures tissue impedance throughout the ablation cycle and uses
    this information to control the application of energy to the tissue. The amount of energy delivered to the tissue is driven solely by tissue impedance. The System determines the minimum energy delivery required to create a transmural (full thickness) lesion based on tissue impedance and delivers only that amount of energy to the tissue. Energy delivery changes throughout the ablation cycle as tissue impedance changes. The lesion is visible as a white coloration of the tissue. The device is designed such that the lesions will not spread beyond the jaw width.

22. To open the Jaws, press the Release Mechanism and slowly release the Closure Lever. Do not allow the Jaws to spring back. Be aware of any surrounding tissues that could be damaged as the Jaws open.

23. Inspect the surgical area to ensure adequate ablation.

24. Between ablations, wipe the Jaws clean with a saline-soaked gauze pad. Important: For optimal performance, keep the ISOLATOR electrodes clear of coagulum. To ensure the electrodes are clear of coagulum: Use a saline soaked gauze to clean the electrodes after each ablation. If coagulum is present, it is much easier to remove within the first several seconds after ablation. In a brief period of time, the coagulum could dry out making removal more difficult. Check both electrodes before each ablation to ensure that the gold of the electrode is visible and coagulum is removed. If the ISOLATOR is idle between ablations, clamp the jaws onto saline soaked gauze to prevent any coagulum on the electrodes from drying.

25. Repeat the ablation process as necessary.
    REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL

26. To remove the Detachable Guide from the Instrument, grasp the instrument attachment tip and rotate counterclockwise until the GUIDE is detached.

27. Ensure Guide is removed from the surgical field prior to the completion of the surgical procedure. Discard the Guide after use. Follow local governing ordinances and recycling plans regarding disposal or recycling of device components.

28. Discard the ISOLATOR after use. Follow local governing ordinances and recycling plans regarding disposal or recycling of device component.

HOW SUPPLIED

The ISOLATOR and Instrument Guide are supplied as STERILE instruments and are for single patient use only. Sterility is guaranteed unless the package is opened or damaged. Do not resterilize.

RETURN OF USED PRODUCT

If for any reason these products must be returned to ATRICURE, a return goods authorization (RGA) number is required from ATRICURE prior to shipping. If the products have been in contact with blood or body fluids, they must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before packing. They should be shipped in either the original carton or an equivalent carton, to prevent damage during shipment; and they should be properly labeled with an RGA number and an indication of the biohazardous nature of the contents of shipment. Instructions for cleaning and materials, including appropriate shipping containers, proper labeling, and an RGA number may be obtained from ATRICURE, Inc.
CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the health care institution to adequately prepare and identify the products for shipment.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS

Users assume responsibility for approving the acceptable condition of this product before it is used, and for ensuring that the product is only used in the manner described in these instructions for use, including, but not limited to, ensuring that the product is not re-used.
Under no circumstances will AtriCure, Inc. be responsible for any incidental, special or consequential loss, damage, or expense, which is the result of the deliberate misuse or re-use of this product, including any loss, damage, or expense which is related to personal injury or damage to property.

SYMBOLS GLOSSARY

| ****

Non-pyrogenic

| |

Lot Number

| |

Caution

---|---|---|---|---|---

| ****

Sterilized by Ethylene Oxide

| | Do not re-use| | Follow instructions for use
| Expiration Date| **| Do not use if package is damaged| Rx ONLY| Caution: Federal Law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician
**| Not made with natural rubber latex| | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment| | Do not Re-Sterilize
****| Manufacturer|

AtriCure Inc.
7555 Innovation Way
Mason, Ohio 45040 USA
+1 866 349 2342
+1 513 755 4100

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