CLICK on videos below for simple instructions

Changing Batteries

Patient Video

Changing fluid collection bags​

Patient Video

How to temporarily disconnect​

Patient Video

Patient Frequently Asked Questions

Please download our tracker, print, populate and take it to your next clinic visit.

If either pump meets the 50ml target, the system will require the fluid collection bag be replaced even if one side is only partially filled.

SOMAVAC is a fully closed system. In some cases, air may be pumped into the bag. Air is typically found in the bag if one of the connections is not secure.

  • Check the drain connector is properly secured to the vacuum housing.
  • Verify the tubing is secured to the outlet port of the drain and the drain is secured to the inlet port of the drain connector.
  • Verify the drain is properly sealed against the patient.

If the problem persists, contact your physician next business day.

If the pumps are not pumping, i.e., green solid lights, then the system is holding the vacuum required. This state continues to slowly remove the fluid from the surgical site. As more fluid is produced, the pressure will change, and the pumps will activate to remove fluid more often.

The Drain Connector is designed to catch large size particles that may be traveling down the drain from the surgical site or from the drain itself. The drain connector has a screen that catches these materials coming down. The system is designed to allow for this and it is unlikely that the drain connector becomes clogged. You can confirm that the connector is not clogged by checking the fluid collection bag and milking the drain above the drain connector.

When there is fluid produced in the surgical site, the pressure changes and the pumps activate. Given the large volume of the drain, the movement of the fluid in the drain is usually not easily noticeable. Additionally, air bubbles in the drain may appear stagnant because fluid usually moves around them.

In rare instances, the pressure of the system is above the required threshold to activate the pumps. Wait 15 minutes after replacing the batteries to see if the pumps activate or milk the system per the instructions below. Note the system has active suction during this time even if the lights are not ON.

To check the system, milk the Drain above the drain connector to alter the pressure in the system. Doing so should activate the pumps and the associated indicator lights.

When the battery light comes ON, replace the batteries with two fresh AA. SOMAVAC recommends Energizer Lithium AA batteries. A total of 8 batteries are included in the SOMAVAC (PN 10011). Here are a couple of additional suggestions:

  • Do not mix old and new batteries. Discard old batteries in pairs and replace them with a pair of new batteries.
  • If you choose to use alkaline batteries, do not mix alkaline with lithium. Always replace batteries with like pairs.

Here is a video on how to change your batteries.

Open the battery door and wait for approximately 30 seconds.

Close the battery door and allow the unit to restart. All the lights will cycle through, and the pumps may begin to run as the system resets. In some rare cases, the Reset LED may flash several times. After this, confirm the Reset light (Left) is no longer illuminated.

If the Reset LED remains ON, remove the Fluid Collection Bag and verify that the Fluid Collection Bag light is ON. Replace the Fluid Collection Bag and confirm LED turns off. If the problem persists, reset the unit again.

If the problem does not resolve, call 1 (833) 766-2822 for additional technical support.

Somavac Indicator Lights

Open the battery door and remove the batteries.

  • Confirm the batteries are new and of the same type (e.g., both lithium AA).
  • Note the orientation of the batteries as shown on the inside of the battery door. Reinsert the batteries ensuring the polarity shown on the graphic on the battery door. Close the door and allow the system to restart.

If allowed by a physician, SOMAVAC can be disconnected temporarily to allow showering. Instructions can be found in the kit or in this video.

Please call or text SOMAVAC 1 (833) 766-2822. We have a 24/7 Patient Support Line.

Call or text us 1 (833) 766-2822. We have a 24/7 Patient Support Line that will be able to support your needs.

Your surgeon will dispose of your SOMAVAC at the time of final drain removal.

Your drains are removed one at a time according to your physician’s instructions. In many cases, physicians utilize 30-50cc per minimum of 2 days in a row to determine that your drain(s) is ready to come out. SOMAVAC delivers robust suction shown to reduce time with drains.

SOMAVAC accepts 1-4 drains.

SOMAVAC applies –100mmHg at the end of the drains. It is controlled by a pressure sensor, thus it behaves like a thermostat. The pumps continuously seek -100mmHg pressure to generate continuous suction. 

The SOMAVAC pump is not sterile, but the connectors to drains are sterile.

SOMAVAC kit includes the pump, Fluid Collection Bag, sterile drain connectors, batteries, shower caps, reference card, and IFU. 

If allowed by a physician, SOMAVAC can be disconnected temporarily to allow showering. Instructions can be found in the kit.

Please download our patient brochure found here. Then please inform them there is a new continuous suction device that replaces the JP bulbs. You can always call us and we will contact your physician as well.  To check the system, milk the Drain above the drain connector to alter the pressure in the system. Doing so should activate the pumps and the associated indicator lights.

We have drain recording sheets available on our site. 

SOMAVAC is used in plastic and general surgeries that form large flaps. Examples include, mastectomies, breast reconstructions, ventral hernia repairs, etc. 

SOMAVAC is covered within the overall cost of surgery. It is available in select hospitals. Please reach out to us to see if your healthcare provider utilizes SOMAVAC as standard part of care. Otherwise, SOMAVAC is also available at mastectomy stores for purchase with Rx. 

Surgical drains are removed one at a time according to your physician’s instructions. In many cases, physicians utilize 30-50cc per minimum of 2 days in a row to determine that your drain(s) is ready to come out. SOMAVAC delivers robust suction shown to reduce time with drains. 

Depending on your surgery, you may have 1 or more drains. SOMAVAC accepts 4 drains with one SOMAVAC. 

No, SOMAVAC is a prescription device.

Yes, SOMAVAC is cleared by the FDA and has been available since 2018.

Patient Support

Our patient support text messages will help you take care of your SOMAVAC®. We will send you reminder messages to change your fluid collection bag, record your fluids and how to video links for changing the bags and/or batteries.  Please register today. 

Register your SOMAVAC® today for 24/7 support.

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Learn More About Your SOMAVAC®

Your SOMAVAC® is powered by 2 AA batteries that operate two pumps suctioning the seroma fluid consistently. The pumps adjust to your fluid production; coming on and off as needed, automatically. The seroma fluid is collected into the disposable, one-click Fluid Collection Bag. Indicator lights and gentle sounds are there to help you use your SOMAVAC. 

Somavac Indicator Lights

Indicator lights

Reset light ON: Open and close the battery door. If the Reset light remains ON, please call us at (833) 766-2822.

Change Battery light ON: Replace the batteries. Two batteries can be found in your kit.

Change Fluid Collection Bag light ON: Change the fluid collection bag.

Vacuum Pump Status Lights ON: Green solid or flashing lights indicate normal function.