Dental suction maintenance: the Puli-Jet routine step by step

01Why suction needs daily maintenance

Suction captures bacterial and viral aerosols, keeps the prepared surface dry for bonding, prevents water from pooling at the back of the mouth and reduces the need for the patient to rinse (Cattani technical documentation, 2022, p. 6). Everything it aspirates then passes through the tubes, the separator and the machine. The aspirated liquid is always contaminated, Cattani points out (Hydrocyclone ISO 18 manual, p. 27).

Cattani explains that a pulsed action, that of the Pulse Cleaner, combined with dedicated maintenance products helps to remove bacterial biofilm from the circuit (Cattani technical documentation, 2022, p. 67). The manufacturer describes three complementary elements: the Pulse Cleaner, which creates turbulence; the detergent-disinfectant; and the anti-foam tablets, which prevent foam and lower the bacterial count (Cattani/Magnolia leaflet “Complementary products for suction systems”, 06-2019).

The Magnolia brand, which manufactures these products, is part of the Cattani group (same leaflet).

02Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 or Puli-Jet Classic: two products, two roles

Sources: Magnolia Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 product data sheet (ST-14 rev. 1, 03/01/2022); Cattani Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 product data sheet (060922); Magnolia Puli-Jet Classic technical data sheet (ST-00 rev. 7); Cattani Puli-Jet Classic product data sheet (040715); “Complementary products” leaflet, 06-2019.

AxeMed calculation: one carton of Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 (4 × 1 L) diluted at 0.8% makes around 500 litres of solution; one carton of Puli-Jet Classic (4 × 5 L) at 5% makes around 400 litres.

According to Cattani ESAM UK, a Cattani subsidiary, Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 is suitable for semi-wet systems (Turbo Jet, Micro Smart, Turbo Smart, Maxi Smart) as well as dry systems (Uni Jet, Tecno Jet, Flux Jet). The product deliberately leaves a film inside the tubes to slow bacterial growth: a “greasy” feel is normal (Puli Jet Plus 2.0 instructions for use, Cattani ESAM UK).

03Preparing and aspirating the solution: the method

1. First fill the Pulse Cleaner container with warm water (40 to 50 °C according to the Magnolia data sheet). Each line on the container corresponds to 1 litre: for 2.5 L, fill halfway between the 2^nd and 3^rd lines.
2. Shake the bottle of Puli-Jet Plus 2.0, lay the bottle flat and squeeze gently to fill the dosing cup to the required mark (20 ml for 0.8%, 40 ml for 1.6%).
3. Pour the dose into the water, never the other way round.
4. Connect the suction tubes to the Pulse Cleaner (adapters may be needed): the pulsed aspiration takes place on its own.
5. When the pulsing stops, remove the tubes and continue aspirating air for a few minutes so that the disinfectant reaches the suction unit in the plant room.
6. Observe the 60-minute contact time stated by Cattani.

Sources: Puli Jet Plus 2.0 instructions for use, Cattani ESAM UK; Magnolia Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 product data sheet; Cattani product data sheet 060922.

Protect yourself during preparation: gloves and goggles (“Complementary products” leaflet, 06-2019). Always read the label and the safety data sheet before use.

04The Cattani routine: daily, periodically, occasionally

For Micro Smart and Turbo Smart suction units and their Cube versions, Cattani entrusts routine maintenance to practice staff trained for this purpose, wearing goggles, gloves and a disposable gown (Cattani Smart manual, ed. 04-2024, p. 19).

Every day

• Check the display for any alarm signals; if there is an alarm, contact the technician.
• In the evening, aspirate the Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 solution with anti-limescale using the Pulse Cleaner.
• Replace the secretion filters on the chairs and place the disinfectant anti-foam tablets in them.

Periodically

• Switch off the power before approaching the suction unit, then clean the suction unit filter.

Occasionally

• Check that nothing (dust, paper) obstructs the ventilation of the suction unit.
• Check the noise of the suction unit: an increase warrants a call to the technician.
• Clean and disinfect the suction unit filter.
• Do not store anything in the plant room that is not used for the machines, especially no flammable products.

Sources: Cattani Smart manual, p. 19; Cattani poster “Manutenzione ordinaria Turbo-Smart / Micro-Smart”, 09/2023.

Anti-foam tablets

Les pastilles antimousse désinfectantes Cattani sont un dispositif médical de classe IIa, bactéricide et candidicide, testé selon EN 13727 et EN 13624, avec une action antimousse sur toute la journée (fiche Cattani 040826). Mode d'emploi du fabricant : en début ou en fin de journée, après le nettoyage, placer 1 ou 2 pastilles dans le premier filtre ; vérifier toutes les 3 à 4 heures qu'elles ne sont pas entièrement dissoutes. Ne pas retirer le film protecteur, qui se dissout au passage du liquide ; pour un filtre étroit, retirer le film et casser la pastille en deux avec des gants (dépliant « Produits complémentaires », 06-2019).

With an amalgam separator

After surgery or a particularly long treatment, Cattani advises rinsing by aspirating clean water; every evening, clean and disinfect with a product specific to suction systems and amalgam separators, non-aggressive and non-foaming, for example Puli-Jet Plus (Hydrocyclone ISO 18 manual, p. 28). See our guide Amalgam separator.

05Before any technical intervention

The technician starts by disinfecting. The Cattani extraordinary maintenance poster requires large quantities of concentrated 0.8% Puli-Jet Plus 2.0 solution with anti-limescale to be aspirated; if the machine is not working, introduce the solution, tilt and move the suction unit so that it reaches all parts, then wait for the disinfectant to act according to the instructions (Cattani poster “Manutenzione straordinaria Turbo-Smart / Micro-Smart”, 09/2023). The outside of the machine must also be disinfected (Cattani Smart manual, p. 20).

The technician also checks that routine maintenance is carried out with Magnolia products; if maintenance is insufficient or unsuitable products are used, they train the staff and inform the person in charge of the practice (Cattani Smart manual, p. 20-21).

Mistakes to avoid

• Using a foaming or aggressive product: Cattani states that products other than those recommended can compromise operation and cause breakdowns (Hydrocyclone ISO 18 manual, p. 28).
• Forgetting the anti-foam tablets in the morning (same source).
• Switching off the suction right after the solution has passed, before it reaches the machine (Puli Jet Plus 2.0 instructions for use, Cattani ESAM UK).
• Ignoring an alarm or an increase in noise (Cattani poster 09/2023).

In addition, AxeMed offers the suction cleaner-disinfectant DAILYasp by Bossklein ; follow its manufacturer's instructions. Other hygiene products are grouped on the Hygiene and sterilisation.

→Products mentioned

Puli-Jet Plus 2.0Ref. 060922289,00 € excl. VATPuli-Jet ClassicRef. 040715234,00 € excl. VATDisinfectant antifoam tabletsRef. 040826529,00 € excl. VATDAILYasp Aspirator Cleaner and Disinfectant 1 Litre Dosing BottleRef. BOS248714,49 € excl. VATAntibacterial filter HEPA H14 with active carbons, complete with fixing plateRef. 042090754,00 € excl. VAT

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