GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE & REPROCESSING

TOWNE Surgical instruments are designed to perform a specific function, such as cutting, grasping, clamping, dissecting, probing, retracting, draining, aspirating, suturing, or ligating. For use by, or as directed by, a surgeon. Instruments should be used only for the purpose for which they are designed. The proper surgical technique for the use of instruments is the responsibility of the surgeon.
WARNING: If device is/was used in patient with, or suspected of having Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease (CJD), the device cannot be reused and must be destroyed due to the inability to reprocess or sterilize and eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

CAUTION!

Instruments should not be used for anything other than their intended use. After cleaning, especially after ultrasonic cleaning, check screws on instruments because the vibration from the ultrasonic cleaning may cause them to loosen or fall out. TOWNE surgical instruments are supplied non-sterile and must be cleaned, lubricated and sterilized prior to use according to hospital protocol and the procedures outlined in this document. Failure to follow these procedures will invalidate the instrument's warranty and can cause the instrument to fail. Inappropriate use of instruments will lead to damage that us usually not repairable.

INSPECTION OF ALL INSTRUMENTS

Prior to use, all instruments should be inspected to ensure proper function and condition. All instruments are carefully inspected before shipment. Because damage may occur during transit, the instruments should be thoroughly inspected upon receipt. Do not use instruments if they do not perform satisfactorily. The instrument must be inspected to assure proper functioning prior to each use with particular attetion paid to the condition of all moving parts, tips, box locks, ratchets and cutting edges. Each instrument with a screw must be inspected before and after use to ensure that screws do not move when operating the instrument. Failure to make a complete inspection to assure the proper opera- tion and function of the instrument may result in unsatisfactory performance, perhaps because a part is missing. Do not use if the instrument does not appear to be functioning properly. Use of an instrument for a task other than that for which is intended could result in a damaged or broken instrument, or which provides an unsatisfactory performance.

LIMITATION ON REPROCESSING

Repeated reprocessing has minimal effect on instruments. End of life is normally determined by wear and damage due to use. ATTENTION: Risk of Damage - Surgical instruments are precision devices. Careful handling is important for accurate functioning. Improper external handling (such as bending, banging, dropping, etc.) can cause product malfunction.

OPERATION

Surgical procedures should be performed only by persons having adequate training and familiarity with techniques. In addition, consult medical literature relative to techniques, complications and hazards prior to performance of any surgical procedure. Before using the product, all instruc- tions regarding its safety features and surgical techniques must be read carefully. Only sterile instruments are to be inserted into a body. The instrument must be operated only by a trained personnel. Please observe general; operating room technique.

DECONTAMINATION & STERILIZATION PROCEDURES

Initiate cleaning of device within 2 hours of use. Excess soil should be removed as soon as possible after use with a disposable cloth, wipe, or gauze. It is recommended that instruments are reprocessed as soon as is reasonably practical following use. All devices must be processed in the completely open position (i.e. flushports, jaws, etc.) to allow solution contact of all surfaces. Use only neutral pH (6-8) detergent solutions.

PREPARATION FOR CLEANING & STERILIZATION

Disassembly of simple assemblies is necessary to allow more complete cleaning and sterilization. Disassembly should not require any mechanical tooling (i.e., screwdriver, pliers, etc.). Follow cleaning instructions below before sterilization.