Morning Paul,
When Trialing Equipment we haven't worried to much about the service manual issue. We do ask for an inservice from the Sales rep if available so at least we know how to turn the unit on of called on it. Ethicon is notoriously tight on giving out there Service manuals because they do not allow anyone other than a factory trained Tech work on their equipment. What we have found is the equipment will be sent in for repair if there is a problem and aloaner sent. As for PM's on the unit, you can ask the sales rep or call the Tech Support number and find out the requirements for information post purchase. If they tell you it is going to cost $XXXX amount per year and will need to be sent in for this to happen. That should be information brought to the attention of the powers that be of the added cost to the device and down time.
If and when the unit is actually purchased be sure that it is clear that the purchase requires a copy of the manual and the sale maybe contingent on it. Play hardball with the manuf. Remember we are here to protect our patients and staff. Not line the pockets of the manuf.
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Joseph Deater AAS
CBET
Munson Healthcare
Traverse City MI
(231) 935-5074
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