Alcon CONSTELLATION
Alcon · Model CONSTELLATION
A Giant Leap for Vitreous Surgery. The Alcon CONSTELLATION Vision System establishes a new standard of surgical control. Combining ULTRAVIT High Speed Vitrectomy Probes with Duty Cycle Control, Integrated Pressurized Infusion & IOP Compensation, Advanced Xenon Illumination and V-LOCITY Efficiency Components to deliver an entirely new level of performance.
Key tips
- ·Verify laser output with a real power meter, not the unit's own display - the display can drift independently of true output.
- ·Take "the image looks a little off" reports seriously - optical alignment drift is usually gradual, not sudden.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Poor phaco / vacuum performance
HighSymptoms: Weak ultrasonic power, poor followability, vacuum will not build or holds poorly, surge.
Root cause: Worn phaco handpiece / tip, a cracked or worn tubing / cassette, or a pump / vacuum-sensor fault.
Handpiece fault (phaco / I-A / vit)
MediumSymptoms: Handpiece will not tune, overheats, no irrigation / aspiration, cutter not cutting (vit).
Root cause: Worn or damaged handpiece, or its connector / cable.
Fluidics / cassette-detection fault
MediumSymptoms: Cassette not recognised, priming / tuning fails, fluid leaks at the cassette.
Root cause: Cassette-detection switch, the peristaltic / Venturi pump, or fluidics seals.
Footpedal fault
MediumSymptoms: Pedal positions not registering, wireless pedal not pairing.
Root cause: Worn footpedal or its cable / wireless module.
Pneumatics fault (vitrectomy cutter)
LowSymptoms: Cut rate low or erratic, cutter will not drive.
Root cause: Internal pneumatic valve or a supply-pressure fault.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Phaco / I-A / vitrectomy handpiece
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Fairly easy
Peristaltic / Venturi pump components
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Cassette-detection switch / fluidics seals
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Footpedal / wireless module
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Pneumatic valve (vitrectomy)
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phaco / I-A / vitrectomy handpiece | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Fairly easy |
| Peristaltic / Venturi pump components | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
| Cassette-detection switch / fluidics seals | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Footpedal / wireless module | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Pneumatic valve (vitrectomy) | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Optical alignment / calibration check
- ·Lamp or laser output verification
- ·Annual full PM
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Poor phaco or vacuum performance
- Fit a fresh tip and test-tune the handpiece in a beaker.
- Fit a new cassette / tubing and re-prime.
- Run the fluidics / vacuum self-test and check for leaks.
- Verify vacuum and rise time against the service spec.
- Send the handpiece for service or exchange if it will not tune.
Symptom: Cassette not recognised or priming fails
- Reseat the cassette and confirm it clicks home.
- Check the cassette-detection switch.
- Inspect the pump rollers / Venturi and the fluidics seals.
- Re-run prime and tune.
- Replace the detection switch or pump components as isolated.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Eye clinic / ophthalmology suite
- Operating Room (ophthalmic surgery)
Documents & Manuals
No documents available for this device yet.
Safety & Recalls
Synced live from the FDA openFDA API.
- RECALL
XXX
- RECALL
Due to incomplete seals in the pouch which provide the sterile barrier.
- RECALL
Due to the potential that some units within specific lots were damaged during the manufacturing process. The area of damage is within the same area of the lidding. While the damage in the lidding is visibly noticeable, due to risk of sterility being compromised.
- RECALL
Reported breakage in the tubing Anti-Reflux Valve (ARV) due to improper use. As a result, changes to labeling were made.
- RECALL
Ophthalmic microsurgical vision systems have a new Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design that could lead to higher voltage to a PCB component, that could cause component failure and loss of pressure control for the use of cutters, scissors, and forceps, which could lead to an increased risk of microbial infection, tissue damage and progressive visual impairment.
- RECALL
Reports of patient injury during use in procedures due to potential for plastic debris from over-tightening with included plastic wrench.
- RECALL
There was a potential that a 25-gauge infusion cannula may be included within the procedure pak instead of a 20-gauge infusion cannula.
- RECALL
Alcon is conducting this Voluntary Medical Device Recall for a specific lot (2060953H) of its 25+ TOTALPLUS Vitrectomy Pak due a potential that a 23GA ULTRAVIT probe may be included within the 25+ TOTALPLUS Vitrectomy Pak, instead of a 25+ ULTRAVIT probe.
- RECALL
The product has potential to leak beyond their design specification.
- RECALL
Alcon is conducting a Medical Device Removal for the Constellation Pneumatic Handpiece, DSP, product number 725.01. This action is being taken because the forceps or scissors tips (sold separately) may dislodge from the hand piece, if not attached by the user according to the Directions for Use.
- RECALL
This medical device correction is related to Alcon products that present a 23G non-valved trocar cannula and infusion cannula together because of an issue regarding the loose fit between the 23G non-valved trocar cannula and infusion cannula that could potentially cause a detachment between the non-valved trocar cannula and infusion cannula during surgery.
- RECALL
Alcon identified system performance and machine settings that may impact the infusion performance of the CONSTELLATION Vision System, causing unexpected shut down, unresponsive touch screens, and fluidics issues.
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