Functional Description Of The Quantum System - ArthroCare Quantum RF 12000 Service Manual

Functional Description of the Quantum System

The Quantum (RF 12000) Controller is designed to deliver RF energy to the electrode elements located at the distal end
of the sterile single-use ArthroWands. Current flows from the active wand element to the integrated return Wand element,
providing a localized energy field. The result of this arrangement is controlled energy delivery with minimal collateral
tissue damage.
In the ablation mode, when sufficient energy is applied, the conductive solution is converted into a vapor layer (plasma)
containing energized charged particles. When the high-energy charged particles come in contact with tissue, they
cause its disintegration through molecular dissociation. This mode of operation results in relatively low treatment site
temperatures when compared to conventional electrosurgical and monopolar RF systems, thus yielding limited
collateral thermal damage to the surrounding untreated tissue.
The system can also function when a lower voltage is applied between the active and return electrode(s). In this case,
the electrical field is below the threshold required to create a plasma layer and resistive tissue heating occurs. This
mode is useful when a greater thermal effect is needed, i.e. for coagulation of blood vessel. The appropriate voltage
setting will depend on the design of Wand used, tissue type, and desired tissue effect.
The Quantum (RF 12000) System provides two output connectors:
• The Cable Receptacle with the tan ring will accept the reusable Patient Cable (27 pin) with a disposable
sterile Wand, making it compatible with the ArthroCare System 2000, or Integrated Cable Wand (ICW) with
gray mating end.
• The Cable Receptacle with the black ring delivers higher power and will accept ICW with black mating end.
A single digit LED output display on the front panel of the Controller indicates the ablation voltage level settings. The
table below shows relations between the open circuit output voltage and LED display in ablation and coagulation modes.
In coagulation mode, the LED display shows "C". The Quantum (RF 12000) Controller has a fixed coagulation voltage.
Display Output voltage at tan receptacle
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Coag 0
Coag 1
Coag 2
(Vrms ± 10%)
0
100
126
154
180
207
234
260
287
314
NA
0
65
100
ArthroCare Quantum™ (RF 12000) System
®
Output voltage at black receptacle
(Vrms ±10%)
0
100
126
154
180
207
234
260
287
314
320
0
65
100
7
Service Manual