Technical Support

Attention Patients! If you are having a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, Call 911 or the local emergency number in your local area.

The Avery Device Components

Antennas

Receivers And Electrodes

Spirit Transmitter

Mark IV Transmitter

Antenna

Antenna Care Instructions

Antennas are used to transfer radiofrequency (RF) energy from the external transmitter through the skin to the implanted receivers and electrodes. The system will not work unless the antennas are affixed to the patient’s skin, directly over the implanted receivers.

Antennas are a durable disposable item. They are warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of shipment, but proper care and gentle handling will make them last longer. It is recommended that antennas be replaced every six months.

It is recommended that patients always have a spare pair of antennas available.

Antennas can be held in place using hypoallergenic adhesive tape. A suggested method for taping is shown in our photo. It is recommended that tape location be changed frequently to avoid skin irritation.

A thin layer of polypropylene or similar material may help alleviate skin irritation due to perspiration when placed directly beneath the antenna. Amplitude settings may need to be adjusted accordingly to maintain adequate ventilation.

Alternatively, other adhesives as elastic netting that conforms to body shape, abdominal binders, elastic bandages, or gas permeable dressings such as Tegaderm® can be used.

Antenna Replacement

Antennas are reimbursable as durable medical equipment. Depending on your policy, prior authorization may be required. If a HCPCS code is requested, please use code E1399.

To order replacement antennas, please call us directly during normal business hours and select option ’3′ when prompted.

Customer Service

The Customer Service Department is happy to assist with troubleshooting and provide technical information regarding diaphragm pacing. Our hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (EST) weekdays.

Device Troubleshooting

Avery Technical Support

Technicians are available by telephone to assist with troubleshooting and technical support during normal business hours (8 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday).

Refer to the Instruction Manual provided with each system for complete instructions on the operation and troubleshooting of the Avery Diaphragm Pacing System.

For Patients experiencing...

a loss of function or intermittent operation:

Use the battery indicator lights on the transmitter front panel to determine if battery replacement is required. The battery indicators should flash during inspiratory periods. If the battery indicator fails to flash after the installation of a battery known to be good, contact ABD for evaluation and repair of the transmitter.
Use the antenna indicator lights on the transmitter front panel to determine if the antennas are good and sufficient transmitter output is present. Use a spare, working antenna to troubleshoot between a suspected defective antenna and transmitter output.

* Antenna indicators may not flash at very low stimulus amplitudes even though the transmitter and antenna may be functioning properly.

For Patients experiencing...

a decrease in tidal volume:

See if effective pacing can be restored at a slightly increased amplitude setting. If the patient is experiencing a temporary increase in threshold, the current amplitude settings may be ineffective.
Check for an infection (such as fever, pain, swelling or redness) anywhere in the body. Diaphragm pacing may become ineffective when a patient has any type of infection. Pacing at slightly increased amplitude settings during treatment of the infection may be sufficient to maintain adequate ventilation.
Ensure that the patient has not suffered any trauma or other accident which may have caused mechanical damage to the implanted components.