Aesculap Care Guide

REFERENCE PAGE 2

LIGHT INDICATORS 2
MAINTENANCE SUGGESTIONS 3
CLEANING ATTACHMENTS/INSTRUMENTS 3
STERILIZATION 4
INSTRUMENT PREVENTION 5
WCS PHOTOS 7
CARE GUIDE CHART 9

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Please take the time to fill the forms listed prior to sending in power equipment for repair.

The steps below will ensure that the power equipment you are sending will be serviced appropriately.
All power repairs require an RMA#

Step 1:
Please obtain an RMA# by filling out the form on our website www.vetimplants.com/repairs.
You will receive a response email with an RMA#.

Step 2:
Power Repair and Sterilization Form
Please print and fill in the above forms.
Please include these forms with the shipment of your power equipment to us.

For all power equipment repairs in the U.S., please ship to the following address:
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants
Repair Department RMA#
310 Commerce Lake Dr Unit 107
Saint Augustine, FL 32095

For power equipment repair in Canada, please ship to the following address:
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants
290 Traders Blvd E #4
Mississauga, ON L4Z1W7

For all power repair related inquiries, please email: [email protected].

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 Light Indicators

The “Charging Process” symbol is the first indicator light. The symbol is divided into four
sections and indicates the process of charging. Minimal illumination is the start of automatic
charging. The charger automatically checks the condition of the battery after each charging
cycle.

The “Charging Completed” symbol is illuminated in green. Complete illumination signifies

a complete charge. The charging time depends on the charge state and capacity of the
batteries.

The triangle warning is the "Action Request" indicator. If you get this warning light, charging
cannot be performed normally; the "charging progress" indicator will usually then go dark.
Possible causes for receiving this light is from bad contacts or excessive battery temperature
during charging.
Each charging bay is equipped with a fan, which works independently of the
battery temperature. The charging of the battery is aborted as soon as a battery
temperature of > 47*C is detected. The battery must be removed from the
respective charging bay, allowed time to cool down, and plugged in again to
restart charging. When the battery temperature drops below 45*C, the "Action
Request" symbol in indicator field 2 remains illuminated. The battery must be
removed from the charging bay and plugged in again to restart charging. If a
battery receives the "Action Request" indicator and is taken off the charger and
immediately placed back in the charging bay without cooling, the battery will
count this as an error. When a battery receives three errors, it will lock itself from
charging and needs to be serviced by Aesculap.

The "Battery Change Recommended" symbol is the third light indicator. This light signifies
the battery is approaching the end of life or needs repair and is alerting the user it is time
for a battery change. This symbol is usually illuminated in addition to the "Charging
Completed" indicator. The battery receives this light when it fails the automatic battery
check.

Charging time is stopped as soon as the maximum charging time is reached.

The permanent monitoring of the battery also allows detecting faults in the
battery block. When a battery fault or a charging fault is detected, this is
indicated by the "Action request" symbol and charging is aborted. To determine if
it is the battery or the charging bay, take the battery and allow it to cool. After
cooling, place it in another charging bay. If the same symbol appears, there is a
fault in the battery block. If the battery charges, it could have been overheated
and charging was interrupted. If the same "Action request" indicator is
consistently appearing over the same charging bay, it is possible the charging
bay needs to be replaced.

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 The bottom of the charger reflects the current software
installed. If the charger does not have the SW-S3.0
software sticker, it needs to be updated by Aesculap to
prevent malfunction.

The base of the battery displays the next recommended service date but has no impact
on the battery or its use. Regular servicing is essential to ensure the reliability of motor
systems over a long service life.

Maintenance Suggestions
- Charge batteries prior to use
- Allow batteries to cool after use
- Never place hot batteries in the charger
- Do not place batteries in the charger directly after surgery
- Monitor batteries temperature if left on the charger for long periods of time. If a battery is hot to
the touch, remove and allow to cool
- Do not leave batteries in a handpiece for long periods of time
- Cycle batteries to “exercise” them. Full charge, release, recharge
- Batteries can be wiped with rubbing alcohol
- Dust and animal hair clog the charging bays which leads to incomplete charging cycles,
overheated bays, and malfunction. Store the charger in an area where less traffic occurs and
cover charging bays when not in use to prevent debris entering.
- Allow proper ventilation to occur when the charger is in use. Designate at least 6 inches from the
wall to the charger.

Cleaning
Attachments and Instruments
BATTERIES MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO CLEANING AND STERILIZATION.
• Disassemble and clean instruments immediately after use to prevent blood and other debris from
drying onto the surface. Blood causes a stain which is difficult to remove and if left on the instrument
for an extended period, will mark and stain which leads to corrosion.
• Aluminum surfaces will be attacked by alkaline solutions or tap water with higher
concentrations of chloride. Therefore, use only distilled water for cleaning the instruments.
• Rinse all cleaning residue thoroughly off the instrument with distilled water. Be aware, normal
tap water will leave deposits on the instruments due to the high mineral content.
• Wash instruments with a neutral pH soap (between 7pH - 8pH) for optimal results. The cleaners and
cleaning agents you use can also be a cause of corrosion. Strong substances, as well as those
containing a chemical make-up of acid or alkaline base solutions, can lead to pitting and staining.
• Do not use Betadine Solution, dish soap, laundry soap, or surgeons hand scrub. These
products can cause spotting and corrosion.
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 • Use only distilled water for washing and rinsing as well as for sterilizing, along with a nylon
brush, nylon post scrubber, and a low-suddsing, near-neutral detergent.
• Use a nylon cleaning brush for jaw serrations and teeth areas.
• Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, highly abrasive cleaners or detergents as this will damage
the protective layer or skin of the instrument.
• Thoroughly dry instruments before wrapping them. Any remaining moisture can result in corrosion.
AESCULAP Maintenance Oil: Sterilit Hi, Sterilit M, Sterilit I, Sterilit mini

Application
• All Sterilit maintenance oils are validated for steam sterilization up to 356° F/180°C.
• Sterilit oil should be applied to all joints/moving parts prior to autoclaving their instruments.
• Use ONLY prior to autoclaving instruments.
Properties
• Steam-permeable oil film
• Heat-resistant germs are killed even in critical areas during sterilization
• Lubricating effect
• Corrosion protection
Warnings
• Extremely flammable
• As content of aerosol Sterilit Oil spray is pressurized storage above 122°F/50°C can increase pressure
and container may burst

Sterilization
• Only sterilize a clean instrument. The most damaging procedure is to allow dried-on debris to
become baked-on stains in the autoclave. Remember, an autoclave does not clean; it will only
sterilize.
• If using reusable instrument wrappers make sure they are rinsed thoroughly to remove all
residues of detergents, otherwise staining or corrosion might occur during steam sterilization.
• Sterilization of dissimilar material instruments should be avoided. Chipped or imperfectly plated
instruments of dissimilar material will cause rust deposits on each other. These particles
promptly oxidize and the instrument will appear to have rusted.
Autoclave
• Maximum temp of 273°F/134°C and maximum holding time 18 minutes or max temp

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250°F/121°C and max holding time of 20minutes.
• Minimum holding time is 5 minutes at the temperatures above.

• These are the maximum temperatures and holding times. Longer holding times may adversely affect the
service life of the drill.
Storage
• Instruments may corrode because of adverse storage conditions. To prevent corrosion, instruments should
be stored in dry and dust-free conditions (closed stacking/storage systems are preferable).
• Major temperature fluctuations should be avoided to prevent accumulation of moisture on instrument
surfaces.
• If using reusable instrument wrappers or cloth, make sure they are properly dry before wrapping
instruments for storage. Wet or damp instrument wrappers/cloth will result in corrosion or instruments.

Prevention
Instrument/Implant Corrosion/Staining

A variety of stains or spots might appear on instruments after the cleaning and sterilization processes are
completed. Most likely, these are not rust, but rather an indication of improper cleaning or sterilizing
procedures. The following chart can help identify and prevent or remove many of stains that typically show
up on instruments.

Brown/Orange
• Bio-burden (tissue, blood, etc.) left on the instrument. Use an eraser to rub off stain
• Detergent pH is too high (>8). Choose a cleaning solution with a neutral pH.
• Soap/detergent residue on drapes/towels used in wrapping. Review laundry protocol to improve
soap-free rinse.

Rust
• Mixing instruments made of different metals in the same cleaning or sterilizing cycle. Separate instruments
by metal type for cleaning and sterilization.
• Tap water has high mineral content. Use distilled water and thoroughly dry instruments after rinsing.
• It is unlikely that surgical grade metal will rust. What appears as rust is usually residual organic matter or
mineral deposits which have been baked onto the surface.
• Never mix instruments of dissimilar material (stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, brass, aluminum). If a
plated instrument is chipped or peeled, an electrolytic action will carry particles from the exposed metal
onto the surface of the other instruments.
• A rust-colored film on instruments can be caused by the high mineral content of tap water or by the use
of water softeners.

Black/Brown, with pitting

• Pitting is depressions in the surface of the metal generally attributed to localized chemical attack by
a corrosive media
• Cold soaking of instruments. Eliminate cold soaking and potential exposure to chemicals during that
process.
• Detergent pH is too low (<6). Choose a cleaning solution with a neutral pH.
• When instruments are exposed to saline solutions, blood, iodine, potassium chloride and other compounds
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pitting might occur. Instruments should be rinsed thoroughly with distilled water immediately after exposure.
• Pitting can also be traced to detergents with a high pH level used for instrument cleaning. Some hydrogen
peroxide cleaning solutions have a very high pH level while others are fairly close to the suggested 5pH-
8pH range. It is important to know the pH of your cleaning solution.

Blue/Black
• Mixing instruments made of different metals in the same cleaning or sterilizing cycle. Separate
instruments by metal type for cleaning and sterilization

Blue/Gray
• Improper cold sterilization. Check solution instructions and follow recommended temperature and soak
times
• Chemical or mineral residue. Use distilled water and thoroughly dry instruments after rinsing

Spotting
• Slow or improper drying of instruments. Review autoclave manufacturer’s instructions
• Mineral residue. Use distilled water and thoroughly dry instruments after rinsing
• Slow evaporation of water condensation on the instrument will cause light or dark spots. Mineral
deposits left behind after the water has evaporated are the result of using tap water. The use of distilled
or de-mineralized water will eliminate the problem.
• Spots can also be the result of opening the autoclave door before steam has been completely exhausted,
which causes a slow drying process.
• During laundering procedures, it is important that the detergents are thoroughly rinsed out. Reusable
instrument wrappers can have residual chemicals carried onto the instrument surface during steam
sterilization.

Multi-Color
• Excessive heat during sterilizing cycle* Review autoclave instructions

Corrosion
• The chemical or electrochemical reaction between a metal and its environment that produces a
deterioration of the material and its properties.
• Blood, pus, and other secretions contain chloride ions which lead to corrosion. If left on the instruments for
any extended period (1-4 hours), the instruments will mark and stain, especially if these residues are
allowed to dry. Therefore, more care should be taken in cleaning every instrument thoroughly after each
use. Excessive moisture left on the surface of the instrument can lead to corrosion.
• Preheat the autoclave; do not rush the drying time. Foreign matters deposited in the autoclave can result in
spotting and corrosion of instruments. Inner surfaces of the autoclave should be given a routine
maintenance. Wipe down with acetic acid (equal parts of vinegar and distilled water) to remove any
impurities.

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 Worst Case Scenario’s:
Examples of Poor Maintenance Routines

Charging Bays from GA677

- Dust and animal hair clog the charging bays which leads to incomplete charging cycles,
overheated bays, and malfunction. Store the charger in an area where less traffic occurs and
cover charging bays when not in use to prevent debris entering.

- Allow proper ventilation to occur when the charger is in use. Designate at least 6 inches from the
wall to the charger.

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Drill

Stainless steel or
aluminum parts
corrode easily with
blood

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Veterinary Orthopedic Implants
Aesculap Care and Maintenance
1. Manual Cleaning 2. Rinse 3. Drying 4. Lubricating 5. Function Check 6. Steam Sterilization

(USE DISTILLED WATER) An autoclave does not

(Once a month 1 drop)
clean; it only
sterilizes.

Do Not Use:
Flash Sterilization
Chemical Sterilization
(1 second spray every sterilization)

DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly with • Check the triggers • Temp:

Immerse in water distilled water to for smooth 270° F/275° F @ 4
remove excess debris movement minutes.
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral • Check the rotor for
Remove all traces of deposits from tap smooth movement • Minimum drying
blood/debris water • Check the time: 20 minutes
coupling for proper
Remove battery functioning • Do not use tap
prior to cleaning and • Operate drill in water in steam
sterilization clockwise/counter sterilization: tap
• DO NOT clockwise direction water contains
AUTOCLAVE wet • Operate drill in minerals and other
instruments and low, medium, max substances which
attachments speed can cause
oxidation, pitting,
DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly • Install battery and staining of the
Immerse in water with distilled water to • Install tool instruments
remove excess debris • Verify tool is
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral seated properly by • Use distilled water
Remove all traces of deposits from tap pulling on the saw for steam
blood/debris water blade sterilization
• Briefly run the
Remove battery TPLO saw at • Wrapped
prior to cleaning and maximum speed instruments should
sterilization (low whistling be placed in
sound heard at the materials which will
startup of TPLO is allow steam
normal penetration and
• Remove battery promote drying,
before autoclaving such as autoclave
bag, autoclavable
paper, or muslin
DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly • Verify cap fully towels
Immerse in water with distilled water to (Internal hinge pins) seats on the drill
remove excess debris or TPLO saw • Allow a distance of
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral • Dry instruments • Verify cap is able at least 1” between
Remove all traces of deposits from tap with clean towel to be removed instruments to
blood/debris water without much permit steam
effort circulation
• Check levers on
• Do not overload
cap to confirm they
sterilizer:
spring back when
Overloading will
depressed then
cause inadequate
released
sterilization and
drying
DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly • Check the function
Immerse in water with distilled water to of the attachment
• If wraps or
remove excess debris coupling by
instruments are still
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral attaching to drill
wet after
Remove all traces of deposits from tap
autoclaving,
blood/debris water • Install tool (drill
increase the drying
bit, saw blade,
time
DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly etc…)
Immerse in water with distilled water to • Position the
remove excess debris • Verify tool is
instruments and
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral seated properly by
attachments in the
Remove all traces of deposits from tap pulling on the tool
• Allow sufficient standing position
blood/debris water time for internal during autoclaving
• Briefly run the drill
compartments to if possible. This will
at maximum speed
dry (use canned allow built-up fluid
in clockwise and
air or compressed to drain out of the
counter clockwise
air if necessary tool.
DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly mode. The gears
to remove excess
Immerse in water with distilled water to should move
moisture from Example:
remove excess debris smoothly without
internal gears)
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral resistance
Remove all traces of deposits from tap
blood/debris water

DO NOT: Rinse thoroughly

Immerse in water with distilled water to
remove excess debris
Use nylon brush and harmful mineral
Remove all traces of deposits from tap
blood/debris water

• Batteries should
be left in charger if
used daily
• Batteries should
be removed from
charger if not
being used for an
extended period of
time (one week or
more)

Veterinary Orthopedic Implants • 310 Commerce Lake Dr , FL 32095 • P: 904.436.6540 • F: 904.436.6546 • www.vetimplants.com