Devices may often be stored for a period of time before initial use and in between experiments. It is crucial that the devices be stored properly to avoid damage to the device or unnecessary loss of battery life. These instructions include the proper storage technique for both new and resterilized devices.

Storage of New or Exchanged Devices

All devices should be carefully examined when they arrive at your facility. Remove the packages containing the devices from the shipping boxes. Save the shipping boxes and foam liners for returning used devices.

Inspect the device package for signs of damage. Using a DSI signal detector or AM radio, confirm that the device is turned off.

Devices in the OFF mode may lose up to 10% of the battery life within 12 months after the manufacture date. Storage in a refrigerator does not provide significant benefit in terms of battery life. If the devices are to be stored for an extended period, DSI recommends periodic checks with a DSI signal detector or AM radio to ensure the devices are still turned off. Pressure offset should be checked on all pressure devices just prior to use to verify stability.

New and exchanged units are sterile upon arrival. If the package remains undamaged, the sterility is warranted according to the information on the package label. The devices should be stored in a cool (10-25°C), dry area away from exposure to static discharge and magnetic fields. Devices should never be exposed to temperatures above 60°C, as this will void all warranties. It is also important to store them in an area where they will not be accidentally dropped or have items placed on top of them.

Storage of Resterilized Devices

Currently, there is a method for on-site resterilization of the devices. For devices used in short-term studies, this allows multiple uses from a single unit before it is necessary to return it to DSI for exchange. This provides convenience for the investigator as well as reducing the overall cost of the devices. Occasionally there may be a delay between when the device is explanted from the first animal and implanted into the next. Proper storage of the resterilized device is necessary to assure that the unit will perform normally at the next use.

Following explantation, each device should be thoroughly cleaned and resterilized according to DSI’s resterilization procedure (please see the Resterilization tech note in the DSI Support Center). The catheters of pressure devices should be regelled. Using a DSI signal detector or AM radio, each device should be checked to assure that it is properly turned off before storage. If the original device package was saved, place the device into the plastic packaging.

The devices should be stored in a cool (10-25°C), dry area away from exposure to static discharge and magnetic fields. Storage in a refrigerator does not provide significant benefit in terms of battery life. Devices should never be exposed to temperatures above 60° C, as this will void all warranties. It is also important to store them in an area where they will not be accidentally dropped or have items placed on top of them.

There is no effective way to maintain device sterility during storage; therefore, each device will require sterilization again at the time of reuse. Sterilization prior to storage is necessary to prevent the spread of bacteria during handling.

If the devices are to be stored for an extended period, DSI recommends periodic checks with a DSI signal detector or AM radio to ensure the devices are still turned off. Before reimplanting, each device should be thoroughly cleaned and resterilized according to DSI’s resterilization procedure (please see the Resterilization tech note in the DSI Support Center). If the proper procedure for storage is followed, the devices should perform just as well as the day they were shipped.