22 1061526 Rev. C VULCAN™ Generator Operations/Service Manual
Troubleshooting (continued)
Observed Problems
If no alarm or fault messages are displayed and the generator is not performing as expected, check the following
list of conditions for possible remedies. Contact Smith & Nephew if the suggested remedies do not correct the
condition.
Condition Possible Remedy
Insufficient tissue
response/tissue not
reaching desired
temperature.
Possible cause: Temperature never reaches SET TEMP.
• Ensure probe tip is in direct visual contact with the target tissue. Probe should be
moved slowly across the tissue.
• Ensure footswitch is continuously depressed during energy delivery.
• ACTUAL PWR should reach or approach SET POWER.
• Increase SET TEMP by 5° C and observe tissue response.
Check IMPEDANCE reading.
1. If IMPEDANCE is less than 40 ohms (20 ohms depending on probe), software will
reduce power to 5 watts:
• Ensure that probe tip is NOT in contact with any metal cannula, conductor or
instrument.
• Replace connector cable.
• Turn control unit off and then on again. If problem is not resolved, replace probe.
2. If IMPEDANCE is greater than 200 ohms:
• Ensure SET POWER is set to desired wattage.
• Inspect the neutral electrode for proper connection and patient placement (see
“Preoperative Setup” section).
Check the cable for proper connection.
• Disconnect and reconnect the extension cable at the control unit and at the probe.
See “Preoperative Setup” section for detailed instructions.
• With the probe in contact with tissue and the generator delivering energy, flex
the cable near the generator and probe end connections. If IMPEDANCE value
dramatically changes (+/- 500 ohms), replace cable.
If an arthroscopic fluid pump is being used:
• Reduce pump pressure and outflow as much as possible.
• Close, seal or cap leaking cannulas to minimize flow through joint.
• Switch to gravity flow.
Inspect the probe shaft insulation:
• Clean coagulum off probe tip.
• If shaft insulation is not intact, probe may be losing energy through the saline.
Replace probe.
If the probe was bent or aggressively handled, replace the probe. Insulation damage or
thermocouple sensor in probe tip may be damaged.
Other considerations:
• Older patients (age greater than 40 years) may exhibit a slower and less dramatic
tissue response.
• If patient has a history of prior surgery, scar tissue may not respond to treatment.
• Patient size may be a factor. Thicker or larger treatment areas may take longer to
react.
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