Background Information

The ARTEC is a manual anesthesia inhalation unit for infants, children, and adults. It can be used both with an ISO circuit system and with an open ventilation system. This device is equipped with an anesthesia agent-specific vaporizer for use in a semi-closed system. The ARTEC anesthesia unit can be used anywhere from the practitioner's surgery to hospital operating rooms. The average price of the Portec device is $40,197 as mentioned on Bimedis. The Artec and Portec anesthetic systems were developed in 1990 in cooperation with the Technical University in Dresden.

To turn the Artec device into a compact and stand-alone solution can be done by combination with the oxygen generator STAXEL 1.5, which supplies the oxygen and air for anesthesia and ventilation. The anesthesia system can also have additional spare bottles for Oxygen and Nitrous oxide.

The Artec device can be equipped with an optional feature which is the ventilator ABV-U with numerous ventilation possibilities and safety monitoring. This feature has an internal battery as well.

The Artec and Portec devices can support three different gases, which include Oxygen, Nitrous oxide, and compressed air. Gas supply can either be via a central gas supply network or via bottle supply with 10-litre bottles of O2 and N2O.

Some possible causes for common faults with the device include:

  • Flowmeter tube being contaminated
  • Change-over valve is not tight enough
  • Supply pressure being too low
  • Proportioning valve for oxygen is not tight

These issues could all be eliminated and will not dramatically affect the functioning of the device.

The Anesthesia devices must undergo mandatory cleaning procedures to extend the machine's service life.

Some quick steps include:

  • After removing the vaporizer, the unit can be wiped with a detergent solution
  • To follow that, apply a dry cloth to the area to avoid any moisture on the device
  • The O-rings located in the vaporizer holding rack should be carefully removed and cleaned

When servicing the device, use only replacement parts supplied by the manufacturer F. STEPHAN GMBH. The manufacturer grants a 24-month warranty, effective from the date of the device's purchase.

Sources:

Trouble shooting guide (Pages 33 and 34)

Fritz Stephan's Website

Identification of device

  • To identify if it is a Portec or Artec device, located on the top towards the right side, the identification type will be below the black rectangular box.
  • The unit consists of a basic housing of stainless steel in which a drawer is provided.
  • Directly above the drawer, there are three gauge meters for the available medical gases O2, N2O and compressed air that can be dosage.
  • On the right-hand side, an anesthesia agent-specific vaporizer can be mounted on special mounting racks (one or two available).
  • The device is also equipped with four plug sockets (light blue color) for the electrical power supply for additional monitors. These sockets are plugged into an outlet regardless of the ventilator's ON/OFF power supply status.
  • The Artec and Portec devices are only available in the color white.

*

Sources:

Stephan's Portec and Artec Identification

Technical Specification

Power supply      

Mains 230-115 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 80 VA

Optional

Battery 12 V DC, ca. 45 min.

Inhalation Anesthesia Unit MPG-Class 2b, Model Registration Number: 11 / M-01491

Typ: B Protection Class: 1

U: 230 V AC

P: 80 VA (with ventilator)

Dimensions (with Ventilator ABVA)

Width: 500 mm

Height:1350 mm

Depth:630 mm

Dimensions (without Ventilator ABVA)

Width: 500 mm

Height:1240 mm

Depth:630 mm

Connections (threaded) for Gas Types:

O2: M 12 x 1

AIR: M 20 x 1.5

N2O: M 14 x 1

Fresh Gas: M 16 x 1.5

Circuit pressure: 5 bar +/- 0.5 bar

Measuring range for measuring hoses:

O2 (fine) : 0 to 2 litres per minute

O2 (roughly) : 2 to 15 litres per minute

AIR :  0 to 15 litres per minute

N2O:  0 to 15 litres per minute

Precision of Measuring tubes:

+/- 10% of the respective end scale value. For integrated micro measuring range +/- 10% of the measuring endscale value (under standard conditions 20oC and 1.013 bar)

O2 deficiency signal:

Trigger pressure: 2.8 bar

Duration of acoustic warning signal: 7 seconds

N2O Block: Trigger pressure: 2.0 bar

Technical Data Circle System

Volume of the complete circle system with 2 absorbers and tubes:  ca.3 litres

Weight: ca. 5,5 kg

Length: 330 mm

Height: 800 mm

Pressure gauge

Pressure range:   -10 mbar to 100 mbar

Tolerance: +/- 5 % of the set value

Pressure regulating valve: 0 to 50 mbar

Pressure range: 0 to 50 mbar

Tolerance: +/- 5 mbar

Ventilation system      

Dimensions 500 x 650 x 130 mm (WxHxD)

System semi-open Ventilation with constant volume

Weight 7 kg (without soda lime)

Absorber volume 2 x 0,9 l

APL valve 0 ... 70 cmH2O

Sources:

Stephan's Portec and Artec technical specifications

Stephan's Portec and Artec technical specifications and use

Maintenance and Servicing

Medico-technical products must be inspected and serviced at regular intervals in accordance with MedGV (Medical Equipment Regulations).

Such inspections and servicing are only to be performed by authorized Supplier personnel (Service Staff).

Periodic Maintenance is typically done twice a year.

Recommended Scope:

  1. Visual check for exterior detected damage
  2. Check for completeness of Unit
  3. Check the proper functioning of the device and alarm functioning

Technical safety inspections must be performed every six months by the manufacturer or an authorized F. STEPHAN Technical Service Team. If a device is improperly maintained, warranty claims will not be honoured by the manufacturer due to insufficient care and lack of maintenance. This is because the manufacturer guarantees a reliable operation of the equipment if the operating and servicing instructions are adhered to.

Sources:

Maintenance and Service

Additional Information:

Device testing information guide. - Included in this link, is a device testing information guide with all the steps to take to run the device and explanations for different buttons.

Stephan's Artec user manual- This link includes a manual for the device, which includes all the information for user testing, technical specifications, and maintenance.

Fritz Stephan Website -This is the link to the manufacturer’s website, where there is additional information on how to book an appointment for maintenance and servicing.