No. The material used in Pulmonetic Systems' reusable breathing circuits is not UV (ultraviolet) stable and is not intended for use in direct sunlight.   Back to top

Yes. Pulmonetic Systems does offer complete heated wire circuits. See your local Pulmonetic Systems' sales representative or call Pulmonetic Systems for more information.   Back to top

Yes. For more information click here.   Back to top

• Disconnect the Patient Circuit from the Ventilator, Exhalation Valve, and all accessories. Refer to Patient Circuit Assembly Instructions, P/N 11772.
• Disassemble the Exhalation Valve. Refer to Exhalation Valve Assembly / Disassembly Instructions, P/N 11773.
• To clean the Exhalation Valve, Patient Circuit or Water Trap, remove all gross particulate matter and bathe for a minimum of 10 minutes in 50% water and 50% vinegar, KlenZyme, or another enzymatic cleaner warmed to 95°F to 150°F (35°C to 65.5°C). Rinse gently for 2 minutes and use a low flow air source to eliminate any residual fluid or debris. Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended.
• To high level disinfect the exhalation valve, patient circuit or water trap, remove all gross particulate matter and bathe in a glutaraldehyde solution (e.g., Cidex (2%)) for 20 minutes. Rinse gently for 2 minutes. Use a low flow air source to eliminate any residual fluid.
• Exhalation Valves, Patient Circuits and Water Traps are shipped clean, not sterile. Sterilization of the exhalation valve, patient circuit and water trap should follow individual institution processes or guidelines.
  
  Caution

  To avoid degradation of the Reusable Patient Circuit components, do not exceed the following constraints:

  • Fifty (50) cleaning cycles or 1 year (whichever comes first) Steam Autoclave:
    • Pressure: 20 PSIG
    • Temperature: 275°F (135°C)
    • Time: 6 minutes
  • Liquid Sterilizing Agent:
    • The use of liquid agents containing more than 2% glutaraldehyde.
  • Pasteurization:
    • A 30-minute warm water detergent and a 30-minute 165°F (74°C) hot water cycle.
    • Drying in a sterile drier for more than 1 hour or 140°F (59°C).
  • Gas (ETO):
    • Temperature: 131°F (55°C)

• Reassemble the Patient Circuit, Exhalation Valve and Water Trap. Refer to Patient Circuit Assembly Instructions, P/N 11772, and Exhalation Valve Assembly /Disassembly Instructions, P/N 11773.
  WARNING!

  Patient Circuits – Pulmonetic Systems' Patient Circuits, Exhalation Valve Assemblies and Water Traps are shipped clean, not sterile. Ultra Violet Light Sensitivity. The material used in the tubing of the “Reusable” Patient Circuits is not UV stable. Avoid exposure of the tubing to UV light.

  Caution

  Care of Bacterial Filters – If bacterial filters are used in conjunction with the LTV Series Ventilator, comply with all procedures as specified by the filter manufacturer.

Depending on the test lung being used, it can create turbulence in the Patient Wye because of the 10 LPM of continuous flow. Move the test lung away from the Patient Wye with an extension tube that is about 6 inches in length.   Back to top

Yes. The Pulmonetic Systems LTV Series ventilators are constructed of material that is latex free.   Back to top

You may have the HARD Unlock feature selected. The LTV offers two unlock methods:

• EASY - press and release the Control Lock button,
• HARD - press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds.

The EASY method should be used in well supervised environments and the HARD method may be more appropriate in settings where there are children or less supervision. See your LTV Operator's manual for more information on using the CTRL UNLOCK feature.   Back to top

The LTV^®1000 is Pulmonetic Systems' flagship product. It contains all of the available features including Pressure Control, Volume Control, Flow Triggering, a Non-Invasive mode and a built-in O2 blender for the precise control of FIO2. The LTV®1000 also offers a Low Pressure O2 source providing the flexibility of delivering oxygen while attached to either a high or low pressure O2 source. The LTV®1000 is ideal for acute care and post acute care settings.

Like the LTV^®1000, the LTV^®950 offers advanced functions such as Pressure Support, Flow Triggering and Variable Rise Time as well as Pressure Control. This ventilator is ideal for anyone who desires the versatility of a ventilator offering both Volume and Pressure Controlled Ventilation.

The LTV^®900 was designed specifically for the homecare setting. It provides features such as Pressure Support, Flow Triggering, a Noninvasive mode and an extensive monitoring package. With its reduced size and weight, the LTV900 is the perfect choice for maximum mobility.

The LTV^®800 was designed specifically for the patient who requires Volume ventilation. It incorporates all the essential features of a quality ventilator at an affordable price.

We can be reached in several ways.

• Our Customer Care Center (includes Customer and Technical Support) normal business hours are from 8:00am to 5:00pm CST, Monday through Friday. They can be reached by calling either (800) 754-1914 or (763) 398-8500.
• If you prefer to fax us, our fax number is (763) 398-8403.
• You can also reach us by email at service@pulmonetic.com

The LTV Series Ventilator is intended for use on patients that are 5kg (11lbs) or larger.   Back to top

Yes, the LTV Series Ventilator can be used invasively or non-invasively (mask ventilation).   Back to top

It is not necessary, nor is it possible, to check the exhaled volume of the LTV with a simple respirometer (“Wrights”). The LTV has a bias flow (flow during exhalation) of 10 lpm which prevents accurate measurement using a simple respirometer.

The LTV has a built-in bi-directional differential pressure transducer that measures the exhaled volumes on every breath. (Older generation ventilators, such as the LP series, do not have this feature; therefore, volumes must be checked periodically with a respirometer).

• The displayed Vte should read between 383 and 633.
• Keep in mind that the LTV specification demands a delivered volume of +/- 10% of the set volume. The differential pressure transducer has an accuracy of +/- 15%.

Rise Time affects the inspiratory side of the flow curve by determining how quickly flow will be delivered to the patient within either the set inspiratory time (Pressure Control mode) or the patient demand (Pressure Support). The faster the Rise Time the steeper the inspiratory side of the flow curve (square wave), and the more time the patient is being ventilated at the set pressure. The slower the Rise Time the more tapered the flow curve and the less time the patient is being ventilated at the set pressure.   Back to top

An optimal Rise Time setting is patient specific - there is no magic number that will work for every patient. But there is an "optimal" Rise Time setting for each patient. It is usually best to start the adult patient at a Rise Time profile of 4, then working your way up or down depending on that particular patient's response. Remember though, a profile setting of 1 is the "fastest," whereas, a profile setting of 9 is the "slowest." Often patients who have very rapid spontaneous respiratory rates, or those with significant leaks around the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, will require a lower (faster) profile setting (< 4). A higher (slower) Rise Time profile setting (> 4) is more commonly utilized with noninvasive ventilation.   Back to top

If the Rise Time is too fast (too rapid) "pressure overshoot" may result. This is evidenced as a PIP reading above the set pressure. A fast Rise Time may also "startle" the patient (especially neonates) as is evidenced by the patient appearing to jump or twitch at each ventilator delivered breath.   Back to top

If the Rise Time is too slow the result may be dysynchrony between the patient and the ventilator. This usually results in increased work of breathing for the patient. Patients may complain of "not getting enough air". If you are using the LTM (Lap Top Monitor), you may notice "scooped" out flow waveforms.   Back to top

This is an informational message stating that the High f (frequency / breath rate) alarm has been inactivated. This setting can be changed within the ALARM OP submenu of the Extended Features menu.   Back to top

This is an informational message stating that the High PEEP alarm has been inactivated. This setting can be changed within the ALARM OP submenu of the Extended Features menu.   Back to top

The LTV ventilator is designed to deliver absolute pressure according to the settings displayed on the front panel. Inspiratory pressure is not PEEP-compensated.

On some other ventilators, the set PIP and set PEEP are added together to generate the target inspiratory pressure. For example, a Pressure of 20 and a PEEP of 5 would give an inspiratory pressure of 25 cmH2O and an expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O. If the PEEP is increased to 10, the inspiratory pressure would increase to 30 cmH2O and the expiratory pressure would increase to 10 cmH2O.

On the LTV, the pressure selected using the Pressure Control or Pressure Support settings is the pressure that will be delivered during inspiration. The PEEP is set independently and does not affect the PIP. For example, if Pressure Control is set to 20 and PEEP is set to 5, the inspiratory pressure is 20 cmH2O and the expiratory pressure is 5 cmH2O. If the PEEP is increased to 10, the inspiratory pressure would still be 20 cmH2O and the expiratory pressure would be increased to 10 cmH2O.

The LTV reads flow using two sensor ports in the circuit wye. Some small test lungs, including the Siemens 190, have a restrictor at the lung opening, or an orifice less than 0.25". The narrow lung opening causes a high velocity jet during exhalation and results in high monitored flows and tidal volumes. To correct this problem, remove the restrictor from the lung or use one of these approved lungs:

• Pulmonetic Systems Test Lung
• Adult TTL, Michigan Instruments
• Manley Test Lung
• Siemens 190 White Plastic Test Lung w/ modified restrictor

or, add a short section of circuit, such as a flex connector, between the wye and the test lung. Delivered volumes are not affected by jetting.

The LTV is designed to run of both AC and DC external power sources. When running from an external DC source such as an external battery, the LTV watches for the external voltage to drop below a LOW threshold, then gives the POWER LOW alarm. After the power drops below the EMPTY threshold, the LTV switches to internal battery and gives the POWER LOST alarm. When the LTV is running from AC power and you unplug the adapter, the voltage drops immediately through both the LOW and EMPTY thresholds and both alarms are given. In later versions of the LTV software, only the POWER LOST alarm will occur when removing external power from the ventilator.
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The LTV offers a DISC/SENSE alarm that will detect a disconnect of the high side pressure sense line (closest to the patient). This alarm will detect some but not all circuit disconnect conditions. To protect against circuit disconnects, set the Low Minute Volume and Low Pressure alarms to appropriate levels.   Back to top

Pressure support breaths are normally terminated at a set percentage of the peak flow seen during inspiration. This percentage can be set using the Variable Flow Termination feature. However, pressure support breaths will be terminated at a set time if the flow hasn't dropped to the termination level before the time elapses. When a pressure support breath terminates by time, the Pressure Support display will flash briefly. The termination time can be set using the Variable Time Termination feature.   Back to top

The LTV has a High Pressure Delay feature that decreases the number of nuisance alarms from coughing. When the HP Delay is on, the audible portion of the HIGH PRES alarm remains silent until 2 or 3 consecutive high pressure conditions have occurred. The HIGH PRES message is always posted on the first high pressure breath and will remain displayed until it is cleared with the Reset button. See your LTV Operator's Manual for more information on using the HP Delay feature.   Back to top

Yes. To contact them, you can call either (800) 754-1914 and press option 3, or (763) 398-8500 and press option 3. In some cases, you may need to leave a voice message and they will call you back. If you need more immediate assistance, you can call our Customer Service or Technical Support departments and they can provide alternate ways of connecting with our Clinical Support staff.   Back to top

Yes. If you call our normal support number (800) 754-1914 or (763) 398-8500, and then press option 3, you will be directed to leave a voice message. Our system will then contact the person on call, and that person will call you back within a short time.   Back to top