Valleylab Force Argon II
Valleylab · Model Force Argon II
Improved precision and control in electrosurgery Now the benefits of precise, controlled argon-enhanced electrosurgery are available in a compact, ea Argon-enhanced coagulation offers precise energy delivery for efficient, noncontact coagulation over large surface areas. Argon-enhanced coagulation produces rapid hemostasis with a thinner, more flexible eschar and reduced rebleeding. Argon-shrouded cut facilitates cutting with less smoke and enhanced visibility. Gas flow control enhances patient safety. The low flow rate, designed to help prevent overpressurization in laparoscopic procedures, is automatically invoked at system start up. The standard flow rate can be selected for open procedures. The laparoscopic overpressure monitor helps avoid excessive peritoneal pressure in laparoscopic surgery. Audio and visual alarms warn of an overpressure condition. Flexible system design reduces space requirements and offers optimal surgical flexibility. The compact unit can be cart or ceiling mounted and is compatible with a full range of Valleylab electrosurgical generators and argon accessories. The universal mounting system is designed to accommodate several pieces of equipment efficiently and conveniently. Compatibility with the ArgonPlus™ handset allows the Force Argon™ II system to be used with this four-function handset and a variety of electrodes designed for open and laparoscopic surgery.
Key tips
- ·Never defeat or bypass a return-electrode monitoring (REM) alarm to finish a case - it's a direct burn risk.
- ·Verify OR table battery backup - a table that loses power mid-procedure is a real, documented incident type.
- ·Track surgical light lamp-hours rather than waiting for failure - a sudden failure mid-case is avoidable.
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.
No or low RF output / high-impedance cut-out
HighSymptoms: No cut / coag effect, "high impedance" or output-error message, output shuts down.
Root cause: Poor electrode contact or a dry field, a damaged handpiece / cable, a return-electrode (REM/NESSY) fault, or an output-stage fault.
Return-electrode (patient-plate) contact-quality alarm
MediumSymptoms: REM / NESSY / plate alarm, monopolar output inhibited.
Root cause: Poorly applied or dried split dispersive pad, a pad-cable fault, or the contact-quality-monitor circuit.
Argon flow / plasma-ignition fault
MediumSymptoms: Argon does not flow, plasma will not ignite, gas-supply or APC-probe alarm.
Root cause: Empty / low argon supply, a flow-control valve fault, or an APC-probe / connector fault.
Fails calibration / output drifts after a repair
MediumSymptoms: Output power or the REM circuit outside tolerance on the analyser.
Root cause: Output board or REM circuit needs recalibration - anti-static handling required.
Footswitch / handswitch fault
MediumSymptoms: Output will not activate from the pedal or the handpiece.
Root cause: Footswitch or handswitch / cable fault.
Touchscreen / display / boot fault
LowSymptoms: Unresponsive touchscreen, will not power on or boot, fan / thermal alarm.
Root cause: Display, power supply, control board, or a cooling-fan 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.
Reusable instrument / handpiece cables
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Split dispersive (return) pads
Class ConsumableRel. cost $R&R Easy
Footswitch
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
APC probe / argon flow-control valve
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
RF output board
Recalibration required after replacement; anti-static handling.
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Difficult
Cooling fan
Class Major service partRel. cost $R&R Moderate
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reusable instrument / handpiece cables | Periodic replacement | $$ | Easy |
| Split dispersive (return) pads | Consumable | $ | Easy |
| Footswitch | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| APC probe / argon flow-control valve | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| RF output board Recalibration required after replacement; anti-static handling. | Major service part | $$$$ | Difficult |
| Cooling fan | Major service part | $ | Moderate |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ 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.
- ·Pre-case functional check
- ·Electrosurgical return-electrode cable inspection
- ·Table hydraulic / mechanical inspection
- ·Annual electrical safety test and 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: No or low RF output / high-impedance cut-out
- Confirm good electrode-tissue contact and an adequately wetted field.
- Inspect the handpiece / instrument and its cable for damage; substitute a known-good one.
- Check the split dispersive (return) pad is well applied over well-perfused muscle with a sound cable.
- Verify output into a resistive test load with an electrosurgical analyser.
- Replace the RF output board and recalibrate on a non-conductive surface if output is confirmed absent (anti-static handling).
Symptom: Return-electrode (REM / NESSY / CQM) contact-quality alarm
- Re-apply a fresh split dispersive pad with full skin contact.
- Check the pad cable and its connector.
- Try a known-good pad.
- Run the contact-quality-monitor calibration with a good pad fitted.
- Refer the CQM circuit if it still alarms.
Symptom: Output will not activate from the footswitch or handswitch
- Test the other activation method to isolate the pedal from the handpiece.
- Inspect the footswitch and its cable / connector for damage or moisture.
- Check the handswitch leads on the handpiece.
- Substitute a known-good footswitch.
- Refer the activation input board if both methods fail.
Symptom: Fails calibration / output drifts after a repair
- Verify cut and coag output at several settings into a test load with an analyser.
- Verify the REM / CQM circuit against its spec.
- Recalibrate per the service manual on a non-conductive bench with anti-static precautions.
- Check the cooling fan and thermal path.
- Re-verify all outputs and the REM alarm before returning to service.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 14 in
- Length
- 16 yd
- Weight
- 24 lbs
- Width
- 17.8 in
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Operating rooms
- Procedure rooms
- Interventional suites
Documents & Manuals
Troubleshoot this device with Bio
Describe a symptom or error code. Bio answers from this device's own documented error codes, failure modes, parts, and guides.
Ask Bio