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Suction Chamber

What is the suction chamber?

The suction chamber is the apparatus that is placed on the patient. The actual blister is formed by the negative pressure pulling the skin layer through the openings in the orifice plate which is in immediate contact with the patient's skin. This action is enhanced by the increased temperature of the orifice plate skin.

How is the suction chamber controlled?

The Negative Pressure Instrument console supplies the vacuum and power to the suction chambers to warm the chamber and create the blister. The instrument console allows any number of chambers to be used. Each chamber has a preset temperature control and all chambers share a common vacuum system. All control voltages are low voltage and generally considered to be safe. No electrical component comes into contact with the patient.

Can the blister formation be observed?

Since the blister chamber has a transparent viewing window and the chamber is heated with miniature incandescent lamps, the blister formation can be readily seen.

Is the blister formation procedure painful?

It is reported by users that patients sometimes mention a pulling or sucking like sensation as the blister is being formed. The heat involved in the blister formation is approximately 40°C / 104°F and apparently neither the heat nor suction causes any significant discomfort.

What attaches the suction chambers to the patient's skin?

Each chamber is provided with removable Velcro straps that encircle the patient's limb. Different length straps are available as optional accessories.

Are differently designed suction chambers available?

Although one standard chamber design is used in all instruments, this does not mean that other designs are not possible. In fact, a special design has been developed for use in small animal research procedures. If you have a unique application, we can probably design a chamber to meet your requirements.

Do I have to use all the chambers simultaneously?

No. Each chamber can be connected or disconnected as desired. Each chamber has it's own temperature control but all chambers share the same vacuum setting so unused chambers must be disconnected. From one to the maximum number of chambers can be used at one time.

What is the warm up time for a chamber?

Under normal circumstances, the warm up time for the orifice plate temperature to become stable is less than 30 minutes. This can be speeded up by insulating the chamber with a towel, to minimize drafts, during the warm up process.