Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit weigh?
A: The ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit weighs ~2.4 lbs. (~1.08 kg.) with an empty canister installed.
Q: How long does it take to charge the battery and how long will a fully charged battery last?
A: It takes approximately 6 hours to fully charge the battery. The ActiV.A.C.® battery can maintain a charge up to approximately 14 hours.
Q. The ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit is sometimes noisy. Why is this and what can I do about it?
A. The ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit may make noises to enable the accurate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. Placing the therapy unit below the level of the wound may allow the system to work more efficiently and more quietly. It is within normal operation to note on-again, off-again noise from the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit. The ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit may also be very quiet at times.
Q: How do I know if the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit is working properly?
A: The Therapy Status Bar at the bottom of the Touch Screen User Interface indicates specific therapy information. The rotating icon, also found in the Therapy Status Bar, indicates the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit is applying negative pressure. Wound fluid may or may not be seen moving in the tubing.
Q: What if I do not hear an audible click when installing a canister onto the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit?
A: An audible click should be heard when installing a new canister. Occasionally, you may not hear an audible click. If the canister is properly installed, the canister cannot be removed by gently pulling the canister directly away from the unit.
Q: Is the ActiV.A.C.® Canister compatible with all V.A.C.® Therapy Units?
A: No, the 300 mL canister is to be used only with the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit.
Q: What languages are available in the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit?
A: When fully implemented, the therapy unit is pre-programmed with the following languages: English, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch, German, Italian, French and Danish.
Q: Are there any recommendations to note when traveling?
A: It is recommended that the patient travel with a fully charged battery, an alternate dressing, extra ActiV.A.C.® Canisters and the User Manual. Consult your clinician prior to traveling for patient specific recommendations. A car adapter is available, for a fee, from your KCI representative.
Q: Can the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy System be used when undergoing diagnostic procedures?
A: The chart below can be used to determine whether V.A.C.® Therapy can continue during specific procedures.
WARNING: It is important to note that the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit cannot be taken into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite or the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) chamber. See the V.A.C.® Therapy General Safety Information Sheet that accompanies the ActiV.A.C.® Therapy Unit, located in the Front Flap pocket of the Carrying Case for specific instructions concerning MRI and HBO therapy.
WARNING: Under clinician supervision, replace V.A.C.® Dressing with alternate dressing if therapy is interrupted for more than two hours.
|
Diagnostic Procedures |
Therapy Unit Compatible |
Therapy Unit NOT Compatible |
|
MRI |
|
X |
|
HBO |
|
X |
|
X-Ray |
X |
|
|
Cat Scan (CT) |
X |
|
|
Dye Tests |
X |
|
|
Fluoroscopy |
X |
|
|
Ultrasound |
X |
|
If the V.A.C.® Dressing is left in place for the diagnostic procedures marked Therapy Unit Compatible, note there is a possibility of shadow casting in the area of the wound. The decision to keep the V.A.C.® Dressing in place or not should be made by the radiologist, radiology technician and/or your wound care practitioner.
Please note: To help provide safe and effective use, V.A.C.® Dressings are only to be used with V.A.C.® Therapy Units.
