| Q: |
Can we use the StrongArm on our current CompressAR® Universal Stands? |
| A: |
Yes. The StrongArm can be fit onto current CompressAR Universal Stands which are in good working condition. Contact AVD to order a StrongArm Swapout Kit. |
| Q: |
Can the StrongArm System be used on the same kinds of patients as the CompressAR Universal? |
| A: |
Yes. Since you would use the StrongArm System the same way that you use the CompressAR Universal, there is no difference in the kinds of patients on which it can be used. |
| Q: |
Can we use other cleaning solutions on the CompressAR Stand? |
| A: |
The Stand should be cleaned with soap and water; it's very important to thoroughly rinse off the stand to prevent residue from collecting inside the Shaft, since this can affect the ability of the Arm to hold consistent pressure. |
| Q: |
Do we need to clean or sterilize new CompressAR Discs before applying them to patients? |
| A: |
No. All CompressAR Discs are pre-sterilized and provided in factory-sealed, sterile packages. The Discs should not be wiped with anything prior to applying them to the patient. All Discs are single-use only and should be disposed of using standard institutional procedures. |
| Q: |
Can we use the CompressAR System in conjunction with other closure products? |
| A: |
AVD makes no recommendation with respect to using the CompressAR System with other closure products. |
| Q: |
What is the biggest puncture on which a CompressAR System can be used? |
| A: |
The CompressAR System is routinely used for femoral hemostasis for patients on whom standard catheters have been used, up to 10 French. The CompressAR System can also be used for larger-diameter punctures, however, compression times will probably be longer. |
| Q: |
What anti-clotting agents can be used on patients, while still permitting use of the CompressAR? |
| A: |
Patients to whom the current standard medications, including heparin, IIb/IIIa inhibitors, aspirin, coumadin, etc. have been administered can still have the CompressAR System used on them, however, the compression times may be longer. |
| Q: |
How soon can we ambulate patients following sheath removal? |
| A: |
According to reports from current CompressAR users, minimum times to ambulation varies between two and four hours -- however, this is highly variable due to types of medication used and the patient's condition. See Early Ambulation Studies |
| Q: |
What should ACTs be at the time the sheath is pulled? |
| A: |
ACTs should be below 180; the lower the ACT, the shorter the compression time. |
| Q: |
Should we place gauze or an alcohol pad between the patient's skin and the CompressAR Disc during compression? |
| A: |
No. Nothing should be placed between the patient's skin and the CompressAR Disc, since this obstructs viewing the puncture site and could interfere with compression |
| Q: |
Is there any latex in the CompressAR Stand or in the CompressAR Discs? |
| A: |
No, there is no latex in any of the CompressAR System components. |
| Q: |
Should we soak the entire CompressAR Stand in alcohol or other cleaning solution? |
| A: |
This is normally not necessary, and could damage internal parts of the Stand. |
| Q: |
Sometimes large abdomens can cause slippage of the Arm; how can we prevent this? |
| A: |
Large abdomens can be taped up so that they don't press against the Arm. The Stand can also be placed so that the Arm is aimed at the patient's opposite shoulder, with the Base placed so that it's aimed in the same direction; this can help prevent Arm slippage. |
