RPW Shockwave: Best Practice for Maintaining Your Device
Posted by Enovis ANZ on 4th Sep 2023
The Chattanooga and Storz Radial Pressure Wave units require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure good hygiene, operation and longevity of the RPW devices.
In most devices, the main areas to target when cleaning and maintaining are the main device and the handpieces, including the transmitters.
Both Chattanooga and Storz have set protocols to assist with the maintenance, cleaning and servicing of their respective RPW devices.
Cleaning your device
The table below depicts the interval when each part of the device requires cleaning:
| Component | Procedure | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Main trolley and unit | Clean | Daily |
| Handpiece shaft and cushion | Clean and disinfect | Daily or after 20,000 pulses (whichever comes first) |
| Guide tube | Clean from inside with brush | Daily |
| Pulse transmitters and o-rings | Clean in ultrasonic bath and disinfect | After each treatment or contact with a patient. |
| Guide tube, projectile and o-rings | Replace with revision kit | After 1,000,000 pulses |
The pulse counter is an important feature of any RPW unit to ensure your device is reaching its maximum potential when treating patients.
To receive this reading, most devices will have a "Pulse Counter" selection under the "Settings" button. Some devices require more detailed instruction, such as the Intelect Mobile 1, Intelect Mobile 2, and the Intelect RPW Lite.
Cleaning the main unit and trolley
Wipe down the device parts with a damp cloth and a lukewarm, dilute solution of soapy water or mild antibacterial detergent.
Cleaning the handpiece
A clean and well-maintained handpiece will perform at a consistently high level to assist your patients in receiving the adequate amount of energy. Failing to clean the handpiece routinely can result in a costly handpiece replacement which may incur charges between $1395 to $8490.
Clean off all coupling gel with a cleaning agent that is suitable for surface cleaning and disinfect the handpiece with an alcohol-based disinfectant.
To download detailed instructions on cleaning your handpiece, click on your device below:
- Intelect RPW2, MasterPuls MP100 ‘ultra’, MasterPuls MP200 ‘ultra'
- Intelect Mobile 1 RPW, Intelect Mobile 2 RPW, Intelect Clinical RPW
OR watch our short instructional video HERE.
We suggest you perform this clean after every 4-5 treatments for best results.
Cleaning the transmitters
When cleaning the transmitters, in particular, the shock transmitters, it is recommended using an ultrasound bath. If unavailable, clean the parts under running water and wipe down with an alcohol-based surface cleaner after each use.
To clean the transmitters of your device, unscrew the shock transmitter screw cap and remove the shock transmitter insert from the screw cap. Clean all parts under running water or in an ultrasound bath.
For further Chattanooga cleaning and decontamination recommendations, please reach out to your local representative or click here.
Did you know?
Your device requires a handpiece overhaul about every 1,000,000 pulses.
This is because of minor wear on components of the handpiece, due to friction and mechanical stress.
Your device should have arrived with an overhaul kit, which includes all required wear parts, and can be performed yourself following the overhaul instructions. If you have already used your overhaul kit and require an additional revision kit to prolong the service life of your handpiece, this can be arranged with your local representative.
Revision kits vary depending on the RPW Shockwave device you own and can be purchased from your representative. Please check which device you have before ordering your revision kit.
Revision Kit Short (part number 29104)
This revision kit is suitable for the below units which have the FALCON handpiece:
- Intelect RPW 2 (2174)
- Intelect RPW Lite (30680)
- MasterPuls MP100 (23232.0100)
- MasterPuls MP200 (19576.0100)
Watch an instructional video on how to service your handpiece with a revision kit HERE.
Revision Kit Long (part number 28701)
This revision kit is suitable for the below units which have the CLASSIC handpiece:
- Intelect Mobile 1 RPW (2805)
- Intelect Mobile 2 RPW (2910)
- Intelect Clinical RPW (2074)
Service life of your device
Your device and the parts and accessories supplied are designed for a minimum service life with normal usage and correct maintenance. Exceeding the service life can result in a failure of the device and accessories.
With the handpiece overhauled every 1 million pulses, the mean time to failure is:
- Approx. 5,000 hours for RPW Lite
- Approx. 15,000 hours of operation for the Intelect Clinical RPW, Intelect Mobile 1, Intelect Mobile 2, MasterPuls MP100 ‘ultra’, MasterPuls MP200 ‘ultra’
- Approx. 5 years of normal usage for Intelect RPW2
For servicing and software updates, contact your local representative.
Warranty and out of warranty
For any in-warranty and out of warranty queries and claims, please contact our experienced service and repairs manager: service.au@enovis.com
The Chattanooga and Storz Radial Pressure Wave units require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure good hygiene, operation and longevity of the RPW devices. In most devices, the main areas to target when cleaning and maintaining are the main device and the handpieces, including the transmitters.