Manual
33 Pages
Preview
Page 1
Meditech ABP and ECG recorders ABPM-04 ambulatory blood pressure recorder CardioTens combined ambulatory blood pressure and ECG event recorder card(X)plore combined full disclosure holter ECG, ambulatory blood pressure and actigraphy recorder CardioClip ECG event recorder CardioBlue ECG event recorder with wireless communication CardioMera full disclosure holter ECG recorder
Important information – precautions for use – read carefully!
This symbol on a Meditech recorder is a warning that you should read the accompanying documentation (this manual). Meditech recorders described in this manual, including ABPM-04 CardioTens card(X)plore CardioClip CardioBlue CardioMera
ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) recorder combined ABP and ECG event recorder combined holter ECG, ABP and actigraphy recorder ECG event recorder ECG event recorder with wireless communication holter ECG recorder
are manufactured by: Meditech Ltd. 200 Ulloi ut, Budapest, Hungary fax: +36 1 282 9388
www.meditech.eu e-mail: [email protected]
Please contact us for further product and service information. Meditech Ltd. maintains a quality assurance system certified according to MSZ EN ISO 9001:2000 and MSZ EN ISO 13485:2003. Notified Body Unit 202b, Worle Parkway Western-super-Mare, BS22 0WA
2
SGS Yarsley fax: +44 1934 522 137 www.sgs.com
!
Meditech recorders should not be used if the following cases apply: • patients without an indication for ambulatory ECG and / or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring • non-cooperative patients • patients in any way unable to operate a recorder as intended • patients requiring urgency / emergency cardiac care • patients with a sensitivity / allergy to adhesive ECG electrodes • unconscious or otherwise incapable patients • patients with serious mobility impairments without supervision • patients with coagulation disturbances • children without supervision • children under the age of 8 years
!
Though the blood pressure measurement algorithm used in Meditech ABP recorders has been tested and found to function properly on patients with atrial fibrillation or other common arrhythmias, the oscillometric blood pressure measurement method is generally recommended for use only with special caution in patients with arrhythmias, Parkinson's disease, or other diseases with tremor.
!
Always consult a physician for interpretation of ECG curves or blood pressure measurements. Note that any blood pressure recording may be affected by body position, the physiological condition of the patient, and other factors. Meditech recorders described in this manual comply with the requirements of the EU Medical Devices Directive (93/42 EEC). 0120 is the identifier of Notified Body (SGS UK)
MDD IIa
MDD classification IIa. EMC class B. EMC group 1. Meditech recorders are internally powered type CF devices. Protection vs. ingress of water: ordinary. Mode of operation: continuous. Meditech ECG/combined recorders are not specifically protected against the discharge of an external cardiac defibrillator.
2006/CT2nnnn
The first four digits of the serial number of a recorder show the year of production. The three characters following the slash serve as device type identifier, or model code. The rest is the actual serial number. Model codes are BP4 for ABPM-04, CT1 for CardioTens, CT2 for card(X)plore, HC1 for CardioClip, HB1 for CardioBlue, FC1 for CardioMera. Blood pressure measurements determined with the algorithm of a Meditech ABP recorder on adults are equivalent to those obtained by a trained observer using the cuff/stethoscope auscultation method Korotkoff phase V, within the limits prescribed by the American National Standard for Electronic or Automated Sphygmomanometers. The algorithm also fulfils the requirements of the British Hypertension Society Validation Protocol for Automated Blood Pressure Measuring Devices (algorithm used in all Meditech ABP recorders is identical to that used in the Meditech ABPM-04 device, which received grade B for both systolic and diastolic accuracy; validation study published in Blood Pressure Monitoring 1998; 3(6):363-8 by I Barna & al).
! !
For information on memory cards, see page 12. For information on electrodes and their application, see page 13. For information on cuffs and their application, see page 15.
!
No user serviceable parts inside. Meditech recorders contain high complexity electronic and fine mechanical components. If you have any problems, please refer your recorder to qualified service personnel.
Take care to avoid blocking the air flow in the tube of the cuff. Make sure the cuff and its tubing or the lead wires do not cause strangulation or a circulation problem. Should the patient experience arm numbness or pain remaining after any blood pressure reading is completed, the cuff should be removed to avoid permanent vascular or neural injury.
File ID: CT2E2211 3
--- This page is intentionally left blank ---
4
Table of Contents Table of Contents...5 Recommended use of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and ECG recorders ...6 Care and maintenance...7 Safety concerns...8 Working with Meditech recorders...9 Rules of monitoring...9 Monitoring step by step...10 Batteries...11 Using a memory card with CardioMera and card(X)plore...12 ECG electrodes and their application...13 Preparing the patient and the electrodes...14 Real-time ECG monitoring to check electrode placement...14 Cuffs and their application – ABP and combined recorders only...15 Meditech ABP recorders: ABPM-04, CardioTens and card(X)plore...16 Accessories...17 Controls and labels...18 Using the buttons...19 Displays...20 Technical parameters...21 Meditech ECG recorders: CardioClip, CardioBlue and CardioMera...22 Accessories...23 Controls and labels...24 Using the button...25 Multifunctional button on CardioBlue – wireless connection with a computer...25 Acoustic and visual signals...26 Technical specifications...27 Bluetooth devices: CardioBlue and card(X)plore with Bluetooth...28 Meditech product warranty information...29 EMC information...30
5
Recommended use of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and ECG recorders Indications for ambulatory ECG monitoring The following indications are listed for non-pediatric patients in the ACC/AHA Guidelines for Ambulatory Electrocardiography, 1999. 1. To assess symptoms possibly related to rhythm disturbances Patients with unexplained syncope, near syncope, or episodic dizziness in whom the cause is not obvious Patients with unexplained recurrent palpitation 2. To assess antiarrhythmic therapy To assess antiarrhythmic drug response in individuals in whom baseline frequency of arrhythmia has been well characterized as reproducible and of sufficient frequency to permit analysis To detect proarrhythmic responses to antiarrhythmic therapy in high-risk patients 3. To assess pacemaker and ICD function Evaluation of frequent symptoms of palpitation, syncope, or near syncope to assess device function so as to exclude myopotential inhibition and pacemaker-mediated tachycardia and to assist in the programming of enhanced features such as rate responsivity and automatic mode switching Evaluation of suspected component failure or malfunction when device interrogation is not definitive in establishing a diagnosis To assess the response to adjunctive pharmacological therapy in patients receiving ICD therapy NB: there is no pacemaker spike detector in CardioTens recorders. 4. Ischemia monitoring Patients with suspected variant angina Indications for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring The following indications are listed in the European Society of Hypertension recommendations for conventional, ambulatory and home blood pressure measurement, 2003. Suspected white-coat hypertension Suspected nocturnal hypertension To establish dipper status Resistant hypertension Elderly patient As a guide to antihypertensive drug treatment Type 1 diabetes Hypertension of pregnancy Evaluation of hypotension Autonomic failure
As CardioTens and card(X)plore are combined recorders, they offer special benefits in patients where indications apply for both ambulatory ECG and ABP monitoring. 6
Contraindications Non-cooperative patients, unconscious or otherwise incapable patients Patients requiring urgency / emergency cardiac care Patients with a sensitivity / allergy to adhesive ECG electrodes Patients with coagulation disturbances (for ABP monitoring) Patients with serious mobility or other impairments without supervision Children without supervision; children younger than 8 years (ABP monitoring) Though the blood pressure measurement algorithm used in card(X)plore has been found to function properly on patients with atrial fibrillation or other common arrhythmias, the oscillometric blood pressure measurement method is generally recommended for use only with special caution in patients with arrhythmias, Parkinson's disease, or other diseases with tremor
Care and maintenance Protection and cleaning Ambulatory blood pressure and ECG recorders are not specially protected against spills or ingression of water or other liquids. Do not immerse the recorder in water or any cleaning fluid, and protect it from spills and splashes. Do not expose it to heavy rain or steam, and do not wear it in a wet environment including a shower, bath, or swimming pool. In case of minor effects of a wet environment, wipe off dew of water drops with a dry cloth. Keep the recorder in a normal dry room for at least one hour before use if condensation is suspected. In case of ingress of water in the recorder, disconnect electrodes (where applicable), remove batteries from the unit, and refer the unit to authorized service. Never place a recorder unit in a disinfecting or sterilizing machine! A recommended means of cleaning is to wipe the recorder and its accessories with a disinfectant cleaning tissue, e.g., Henkel Ecolab Incides, or a similar product. Alternatively, wipe with a slightly damp cloth then dry it with an antistatic tissue. Do not expose recorders to extreme heat or radiation, including exposure to direct sunlight. The system might not meet its performance specifications if stored or used outside the environmental conditions specified in this manual. Regular checks, warranty, service Verification of pressure measurement accuracy is recommended biannually. Check ECG accuracy yearly using a known ECG signal source. Meditech recorders are covered by a two-year warranty under general warranty conditions of Meditech Ltd, see relevant chapter. This warranty does not cover any malfunction or defects arising from improper use, the use of inadequate accessories, accident, theft, or use of the device outside operating environmental specifications or intended measurement range. Removing the closing label from the back side of the device voids this warranty. The patient ECG cable is exchangeable without disassembling the unit. Use a certified biocompatible ECG lead cable of the same specifications, and observe color codes. There are no user serviceable parts inside Meditech recorders; they contain high complexity electronic and fine mechanical components. If you have any problems, refer the recorder to qualified service personnel. Contact Meditech or your distributor for service information. Roll-out Meditech recorders may include an internal NiCd coin cell which may fall under the category of hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly. All other parts of should be handled at roll-out as normal electronic waste. 7
Safety concerns Electric shock hazard protection Meditech recorders meet relevant shock hazard protection standards. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and combined recorders operate with 4 1.5V AA batteries or 4 1.2V AA rechargeable batteries. Event and holter ECG recorders operate with a single AAA battery. This excludes all electric shock hazards, even in the unlikely case of multiple device errors. Use only standard long-life (alkaline) batteries, or standard NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries of the proper size. Do not use lithium batteries. Do not mix different battery types, do not mix new and old batteries. Keep a safety distance of at least 2 meters from any electric devices, metallic objects or other electric conductors during application and removal of ECG electrodes. As long as any patient lead cables (with electrodes) are applied to the patient, not yet applied or disconnected lead cables must not contact potential shock hazard sources or electric conductors, as such contact may, through applied electrodes, serve as a pathway for a potentially life-threatening electric shock. Many personal computers do not meet certain shock hazard protection standards or strict safety regulations applicable to medical devices. Therefore, during the computer-based use of Meditech recorders, keep at least a 2 meter distance between patient and computer. Meditech recorders communicate using a plastic optical cable, whose 4 m standard (and up to 10 m optional) length allows for the required safety distance. The plastic optical cable ensures perfect electric separation and reduces the effects of external electric noise. It does not conduct electricity. Biocompatibility Use only high quality biocompatible ECG lead cables and disposable electrodes. Use only biocompatible adhesive tape to fix lead cables in pull-relief loops. To avoid infection risks, and for general hygienic reasons, the device, cuff and tubing should never contact the patient's skin directly. Hazardous materials Used batteries may qualify as hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly. Meditech recorders do not contain any materials qualified as pharmaceutical substance or tissue of animal origin. They emit no material or energy hazardous to humans. Risk of incorrect diagnosis The basic intended use of Meditech recorders is to record ECG signals and blood pressure values. Recorded ECG quality depends mainly on electrode contact quality and recording conditions, so valuable recordings are to be expected from properly instructed cooperative patients, using properly applied, high quality electrodes. Patients should be informed about rules of cooperative behaviour, proper handling of the recorder used, and expected results of monitoring in advance. ABP and ECG recorders only provide data to support diagnostic decisions of a qualified physician, they do not automatically provide a diagnosis of any kind. During the evaluation of recorded ECG, possible artefacts due to external disturbances, motion artefacts, and electrical noise should be observed and handled with caution.
8
Working with Meditech recorders The recorder must be programmed from the CardioVisions software installed on the computer. Once the pre-programmed time is reached, the recorder will commence operating automatically and perform blood pressure measurements and/or record ECG signals based on the monitoring plan. To obtain reliable BP readings and high clarity ECG signals, certain rules must be observed. Rules of monitoring 1. Inform the patient about the goal and expected results of the monitoring. Provide an event diary and rules to observe. 2. Patients should not wear synthetic clothes during ECG monitoring, as this may cause disturbances in ECG recordings due to static electricity and small discharges. 3. Patients can fit the recorder comfortably with the adjustable straps. 4. It is advisable to wear a thin shirt under ABP cuffs. This does not influence the accuracy of blood pressure measurement, but it prevents problems caused by longtime wear of the cuff (sweat, itching, soreness, etc.). 5. The cuff and/or electrodes should be properly placed and connected. Good electrode contact requires skin preparation and electrodes designed for long-term application. 6. Should an electrode become disconnected, it, or a new electrode of the same type should be re-applied to the same position as soon as possible. 7. Patients should avoid excess movement during blood pressure measurements. They should hold their arm loose, slightly away from their chest. 8. Should blood pressure measurements cause bloodshots, torpidity or pain in the hand, the cuff should be removed from the arm immediately and disconnected from the recorder. Such occurrence should be reported to the physician latest after the monitoring session. 9. Patients may start extra blood pressure measurements with the START button of ABP recorders. They should mark events such as taking medication, waking up or going to sleep with the EVENT button. They may interrupt any single blood pressure measurement if necessary by pressing either button of ABP recorders. 10. Patients should not remove the recorder even at night. By loosening the straps, they can avoid problems when turning in their sleep. The recorder does not disturb most patients at night. Removing a card(X)plore recorder will (even if the electrodes and cuff remain connected) result in the loss of actigraphy data. 11. Should the batteries run down during a monitoring session, they can be simply replaced. Monitoring will continue, and data will not be lost. The memory card should not ever be removed during monitoring from card-capable recorders. 12. Patients should never measure anybody else’s blood pressure with an ABP recorder during an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring session.
9
Monitoring step by step Before you begin, you must have the CardioVisions program properly installed and configured on your computer, and the recorder correctly connected. To program your recorder, you will need a Meditech optical interface cable properly connected to your computer's USB or serial port (or to a USB port using a standard USB-to-serial converter) and the communication port correctly selected in the CardioVisions software. To transfer data to your database after a monitoring session from a CardioMera or card(X)plore recorder, you will also need an SD memory card reader unit, preferably an USB2-type reader, connected to your computer. The memory card necessary for monitoring is by default supplied with the recorder itself. As different computer configurations may require different card reader models, and many computers come originally equipped with one, a memory card reader unit is by default not supplied with a card-based Meditech recorder, but is readily obtainable from local sources. A successful monitoring session consists of the following steps: 1. Inform your patient about monitoring rules well in advance. 2. Insert the necessary number of fully charged, proper size batteries into the battery compartment and check their voltage. 3. Insert memory card properly into the card slot (where applicable). 4. Start the CardioVisions program, select the preferred recorder type for use. 5. Enter new patient data or select patient from the database. 6. Apply the cuff and/or electrodes to the patient. 7. Connect the recorder to the computer and check electrode placement. 8. Create a monitoring plan (possibly containing blood pressure measurement intervals, ECG monitoring settings and event auto-detection trigger limits). 9. Send the monitoring plan from the computer to the recorder unit. 10. Give detailed instructions to the patient who has to wear the recorder. --- Monitoring session (typically 24 hours) --11. Check if the plan is completed. 12. Remove the unit, cuff and electrodes from the returned patient. 13. Ask for the patient diary, and ask the patient for any events, symptoms, observations or complaints. 14. Start the CardioVisions program and select the proper recorder type for use. 15. If you use a CardioMera or card(X)plore recorder, remove the memory card from the recorder and insert it into the card reader unit of your computer. 16. Transfer collected data from the recorder or card to your database. 17. Analyze ECG curves, blood pressure profile, ST trends, etc. 18. Create and print the report.
10
Batteries Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and combined recorders operate with 4 1.5V AA batteries or 4 1.2V AA rechargeable batteries. Event and holter ECG recorders operate with a single AAA battery. Use only standard long-life (alkaline) batteries, or standard NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries of the proper size. Do not use lithium batteries. Do not mix different battery types, do not mix new and old batteries. Never use batteries of low or unknown quality or pre-used batteries, as they may not cover the power needs of the recorder, and they may damage the recorder, for they may contain acidic electrolytes which may leak and corrode electronic components. Should the batteries still run down during a monitoring session, they can be replaced. Monitoring will continue and data will not be lost. The central controller of the recorder watches the state of batteries, and in case of low voltage it turns amplifiers off to prevent false data getting into the memory. If you do not use the recorder, it is advisable to remove batteries since they may run down due to the constant small power consumption of the integrated circuits of the device. Data in the recorder is not lost even if batteries run down or are removed. Used batteries may fall under the category of hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly. Important! It is strongly recommended to use freshly charged accumulators or new batteries with every patient so that batteries do not run down during monitoring, even in case of very high blood pressure values and/or a long monitoring session. After inserting batteries in ABP recorders, it is advised to check their voltage before programming the recorder. Do not start a new monitoring session with low batteries. The typical voltage for four fully charged rechargeable batteries should be over 5.1 V, and for fresh alkaline batteries, over 6.1 V. It is possible to check battery voltage with the START button. Important! If a recorder is not used for a long period, the in-built backup cell ensuring the operation of the internal clock may get discharged. In this case keep freshly charged main batteries in the recorder for at least one day; this will recharge the backup cell. It is possible to use the recorder normally in the meantime. If the backup cell is not properly charged, the internal clock may work incorrectly, and the recorder may not start measurements in due time. Two sets of rechargeable batteries and a charger are by default included in the complete set. Please refer to the relevant product descriptions when charging batteries. A set of properly charged, high capacity batteries will enable an ABP or combined recorder to perform 250-300 blood pressure measurements plus ECG and actigraphy recording where applicable during a 24-48 hour long monitoring session. Take the recorder out of the holder pouch and remove the battery compartment cover on the back-side. Place four properly charged, high capacity AA rechargeables or four new, long-life AA alkaline batteries into the compartment as shown in the polarity drawing. Close the compartment. If you opt to use alkaline batteries, choose high capacity, long-life products to enable reliable operation. Three dots at the bottom of the LCD show low battery voltage. CardioClip, CardioBlue and CardioMera recorders work with one standard AAA size battery. Insert battery as shown. Use only long-life (alkaline) batteries, NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries. Low battery voltage causes the status LED of Meditech ECG recorders to slowly blink in red. Though the recorders can work several days with one battery, it is recommended to insert a new battery or a properly charged rechargeable battery with each new monitoring session.
11
Using a memory card with CardioMera and card(X)plore CardioMera and card(X)plore recorders use SD or MMC flash memory cards to record ECG and other data during the monitoring session. Fully insert the Meditech-supplied memory card carefully into the recorder, as shown in the picture for card(X)plore, or as shown on the back side of CardioMera recorders. It is highly recommended to use a card exclusively for ECG monitoring; using the same card for other purposes may result in data loss, malfunction, or a failed monitoring session. NB: All data stored on the card will be erased during programming! You will need a card reader unit built into or connected to your computer to transfer the recorded data to your database after a monitoring session. It is not possible to transfer such data using the optical interface cable; the only way is to remove the card from the recorder and insert it in a card reader unit. Use a USB 2.0 reader to transfer data to your PC. The SD cards supplied by Meditech are ready to use with CardioMera or card(X)plore recorders. Insert the card gently until it locks in place. All data stored on the card when inserted into the recorder may be erased during programming the recorder, even if the write-protect notch is in the locked position. Please note that Meditech assumes no responsibility for the loss or destruction of such data. It is highly recommended to use a card exclusively for CardioMera or card(X)plore monitoring; using the same card for other purposes may result in data loss, malfunction, or a failed monitoring session. Never remove the card, or remove the batteries from a card-based recorder while accessing the card (i.e., during storage, deletion or initialization operations), since data stored in the card may be destroyed. Remove the card from a recorder only if the monitoring session is completed. If you use a card from another source, or need to re-format the card supplied, note that according to Microsoft recommendations a 128 MB SD card should be formatted for a FAT16 file system to work properly with Windows systems. CardioMera and card(X)plore will work with FAT32-formatted cards, but you may experience data access problems with cards formatted so on your computer. The following cards have been tested and are recommended for use: Sandisk SDSDB-128, Kingston SD/128, or Infineon Secure Digital cards. The memory card is a precision electronic device. Place it in the antistatic case provided when carrying and storing it. Failure to do so may result in damage to the card caused by static electricity. Do not apply strong force or impact to the card, nor bend or drop it. Do not put the card in the pocket of your pants, etc. Do not use or store the card in an environment with possibly strong static electricity/electric noise, including immediate proximity of mobile phones. Do not use or store the card in high temperature or humidity, nor subject it to a corrosive environment. Protect the contacts from dirt and particles that may come in contact with, or adhere to, the card. Use only dry, soft cloth to wipe away dirt. Keep the card out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If the card is swallowed, seek medical assistance immediately. The lifetime of the card is limited because it uses flash memory. It will not be able to save data after it has been used for a period exceeding its lifetime. In this case, replace the card with a new one. Please note that as a security measure, postal department might subject all articles sent through mail to high level radiation. High level radiation erases all data stored on an SD card and renders the card useless. Please check and verify postal service policies before sending memory cards by mail.
12
ECG electrodes and their application As long as any patient lead cables (with electrodes) are applied to the patient, not yet applied or disconnected lead cables must not contact potential electric shock hazard sources or electric conductors, as such contact may, through still applied electrodes, serve as a pathway for a potentially life-threatening electric shock. Electrodes (and patient lead cables) should in all cases be applied to a patient in a minimum safety distance of 2 m from any electric devices, metallic objects or other electric conductors. Synthetic clothes should be avoided to reduce static discharge related noise. Use of pullrelief loops on lead cables and fixing them with adhesive tape is strongly recommended. CardioClip, CardioBlue and CardioMera recorders may be used with 3 to 7, individually exchangeable ECG lead cables depending on preferred recording parameters. CardioTens uses a 5-lead patient cable to record two bipolar ECG leads (channels), whereas card(X)plore uses a 7-lead cable to record three, where each ECG lead (channel) is defined as a difference between a pair of electrodes, with one neutral electrode used for feedback. Multi-channel recording improves the chance to avoid misdiagnosed recordings, reduces the chance to miss something important due to noise, electrode problems or improper “viewing angle”. See the standard ECG cable color codes and recommended positions in the following table. Electrode Color EU
USA
Position
A+
green
red
left anterior axillary line, intercostal space 5
A-
red
white
manubrium sterni
B+
white
brown left anterior axillary line, intercostal space 5
B-
yellow
black
C+
orange
orange left posterior axillary line, intercostal space 5
C-
blue
blue
right sternal border, rib 2
N
black
green
corpus sterni
right anterior axillary line, intercostal space 5
Please note that CardioTens uses a non-standard color code: red-white for channel A, yellow-green for channel B, black for neutral. In the recommended layout, described in the table above and shown in the figure, the resulting channels will correspond to the most commonly used ambulatory ECG leads, as follows: channel A is CM5 channel B is CC5 channel C is inverse Nehb J (if applied)
13
Preparing the patient and the electrodes 1 Clean (and possibly depilate) chest Electrodes should be fixed onto a thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, depilated skin to ensure a reliable and stable contact. Wearing synthetic clothes will cause static disturbances, adding noise to the ECG. Advise your patient not to wear such clothes during monitoring. 2 Attach electrodes to ECG lead cable connectors Always do this procedure prior to attaching the electrodes to the patient’s chest. Attaching the ECG cable connectors to the electrodes after placing them on the patient’s chest may cause inconvenience or even pain. 3 Remove electrode protection films 4 Apply the electrodes to the proper positions (see previous page) 5 Create stress-release loops with each cable It is advised to create a stress-release cable loop on each lead cable, close to the electrode (about 5-10 cm), and fix it to the patient’s skin with non-allergic adhesive tape. This significantly reduces possible technical problems with ECG signals. Loopprotected cables will reduce movement disturbances. 6 Combined recorders: connect ECG patient cable to its socket on recorder The multi-lead ECG patient cable can be connected into the socket on the top of the device by a standard plug. Align plug and socket marks, push and turn gently clockwise. Turn counter-clockwise to disconnect. Observe that pin number matches socket type. Real-time ECG monitoring to check electrode placement It is highly recommended to check electrode placement before an ECG recording session to record the best quality ECG signals. The CardioVisions software provides online ECG monitoring capability to check electrode placement. Attach electrodes to patient, connect ECG patient cable to the recorder if applicable, and connect recorder to PC to use this function. You can judge the following details with electrode checking: Is galvanic contact established (do you get ECG curves or not)? Is the placement of electrodes correct to gain leads as intended? Are ECG signals clear, with proper polarity and sufficient gain? Does breathing or other muscle movement not disturb ECG signals? What are the initial ST levels and heart rate? The on-line ECG monitoring screen will display a moving average ECG cycle in addition to running curves. It will calculate and display heart rate, ST values (depression or elevation from baseline) and a slope value. You can use these values to determine initial heart rate and ST levels and adjust trigger limits accordingly when you create your monitoring plan.
14
Cuffs and their application – ABP and combined recorders only It is advisable to wear a thin shirt or blouse under the cuff. This does not influence the accuracy of blood pressure measurements but it prevents possible problems caused by long-time wear (sweating, itching, etc.). Place the cuff on the upper arm so that the rubber tube points towards the patient’s shoulder and the bladder is placed above the brachial artery, if possible. Contrary to the usual placement with the tube pointing downwards, the advantage is that the patient can wear a loose jacket over the shirt or blouse. Connect the rubber tube of the cuff into the air plug connector, which you can find on the top of the vertically standing ABP recorder. Connect the cuff turning it clockwise with slight pressure. Note: It is recommended that the cuff be applied as tightly as acceptable for the patient. A loose cuff will cause much longer blood pressure measurement times and possibly aborted measurements. With an overly loose cuff, the recorder must pump to tighten the cuff on the arm and then it must reach the pressure necessary for measurement. This causes considerable inconvenience for the patient and results in less data for evaluation. If the patient removes the cuff for a period during the monitoring session, it should be re-applied with appropriate tightness, with help from another person, if necessary. Should blood pressure measurements cause bloodshots, torpidity or pain in the hand, the cuff should be removed from the arm and disconnected from the recorder. Such occurrence should be reported to the physician latest after the monitoring session. Meditech ABP and combined recorders recognize and function with three different cuff sizes. Name Normal adult Small adult (child) Large adult
Bladder dimensions 12.5 x 22.5 cm 6 x 28.5 cm 14.5 x 32 cm
Sleeve dimensions 16 x 52 cm 9 x 41 cm 16 x 70 cm
Arm circumference range* 24-32 cm under 24 cm 32-42 cm
* When properly applied, the end of the sleeve (the one closer to the tube) should fall in the indicated range. In ABPM-04, the cuff is the component which, by definition of the relevant standard, is protected against the effects of the discharge of a defibrillator. Caution! Substitution of a cuff different from that supplied might result in measurement error and/or it might in certain cases cause damage to the main recorder unit.
15
Meditech ABP recorders: ABPM-04, CardioTens and card(X)plore ABPM-04 is a silent, compact and lightweight, programmable ambulatory blood pressure monitor. CardioTens is an innovative combined ambulatory diagnostic tool that highlights the relationship between coronary heart disease and hypertension, and provides a detailed analysis of various parameters of cardiovascular risk. It records 24-hour blood pressure, ST-segment and heart rate profiles, and two-channel event ECG strips according to a preset program sequence. CardioTens performs continuous real-time beat-to-beat ECG analysis as well. Automatic event detection with adjustable preset limits ensures that extra ECG strips and corresponding blood pressure values are recorded during (silent) ischaemic events. card(X)plore is a powerful multifunctional ambulatory cardiovascular diagnostic device. It records 3-channel full disclosure ECG data and performs full ambulatory blood pressure monitoring simultaneously. As an option, it can record actigraphy data using a two-axis acceleration sensor. The unit performs continuous real-time beat-to-beat ECG analysis during monitoring. Automatic ECG event detection with adjustable preset limits ensures that corresponding blood pressure values are recorded during (silent) ischaemic events, high or low heart rates, and syncopal episodes. The recorders operate silently and reliably with 4 AA rechargeable batteries. ABPM-04 and CardioTens use inbuilt solid-state memory; the card(X)plore unit uses a stamp-sized SD (Secure Digital) memory card for no-compression storage to ensure perfect signal quality. The recorders are easily initialized by connecting them to a personal computer using an optical cable link. With the combined ABP/ECG devices, the cable enables on-line, real-time ECG monitoring to achieve the best electrode placement. Patients can start extra blood pressure readings or mark symptomatic events.
16
Accessories set one one one one one one one one eight one one one
(1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (8) (1) (1) (1)
plastic case or carton packaging (depending on order) recorder unit USB or serial interface unit with twin optical cable pouch for recorder, with shoulder and waist straps normal adult size cuff ECG patient cable - CardioTens and card(X)plore only package of disposable electrodes - CardioTens and card(X)plore only memory card, 128 MB - card(X)plore only AA rechargeable batteries battery charger CardioVisions software CD user guide
recorder package one (1) carton packaging one (1) recorder unit one (1) pouch for recorder, with shoulder and waist straps one (1) normal adult size cuff one (1) ECG patient cable - CardioTens and card(X)plore only one (1) memory card, 128 MB - card(X)plore only
Accessories may vary from place to place.
17
Controls and labels Front side Cuff connector socket ECG cable connector socket (CardioTens and card(X)plore only) LCD START button EVENT button
Device name label Memory card slot (with SD card inserted - card(X)plore only) Optical interface socket (on bottom) Back side
Manufacturer's label Information label
Battery compartment cover (removed) Battery compartment
Optical interface socket (on bottom)
18
Using the buttons The START button is plain, without marking, closer to the LCD. Its functions: Manual blood pressure measurement If it seems necessary, the patient can start an additional, manual blood pressure measurement by pressing the START button shortly. The result with a manual measurement marker will be stored in the memory of the device. Typical causes for this use: dizziness, pain (angina pectoris or headache), palpitation. LCD check Press and hold the START button to light up all segments of the LCD to check if they all work correctly. Battery voltage check Press and hold the START button for more than 5 seconds to display battery voltage on the LCD (e.g. 5_24, equal to 5.24 V). The voltage display lasts until you release the button, but not more than 5 seconds. The unit will then return to displaying time. The voltage for fully charged accumulators should be over 5.1 V, and for fresh alkaline batteries over 6.1 V. Cancel a blood pressure measurement The patient can interrupt a blood pressure measurement by pressing either button at any time while the cuff is pressurized. This will result in immediate fast cuff deflation. Such interruption is limited to the measurement in progress only and has no effect on further operation. The EVENT button is marked with an indented circle. Its functions: Set a patient event marker The patient can mark any event without starting a manual blood pressure measurement by pressing the EVENT button briefly. Typical causes for this use: waking up, going to sleep, taking medicine. The patient should be instructed to record the reason for setting an event marker in a diary. Switch between active and passive blood pressure measurement frequency* If this function is enabled during programming, the patient can press and hold the EVENT button for more than 5 seconds to switch the unit to passive blood pressure measurement frequency (or back). * ABPM-04 only Cancel a blood pressure measurement The patient can interrupt a blood pressure measurement by pressing either button at any time while the cuff is pressurized. This will result in immediate fast cuff deflation. Such interruption is limited to the measurement in progress only and has no effect on further operation. This use of the button will not set an event marker. There is no on-off button. The recorders will execute the monitoring plan as programmed. If the batteries, or - where applicable - the memory card are removed, the recorder will cease to function.
19
Displays LCD check: all segments are displayed Normal status: time is displayed Communication with personal computer card(X)plore only Monitoring plan does not work: plan not started or memory card missing / removed
Blinking display: monitoring plan activation in progress
card(X)plore only
Monitoring plan is completed
card(X)plore only
Lead off, electrode(s) disconnected, all channels card(X)plore only (observe number and position of segments on the right) Setting zero pressure level for blood pressure measurement Pumping for blood pressure measurement current pressure in mmHg Systolic value of just completed measurement [mmHg] Diastolic value of just completed measurement [mmHg] Pulse rate value of just completed measurement [beats per minute] Blood pressure measurement cancelled by pressing a button Battery voltage display (5.37 V) Low battery signal (three dots at the bottom) In addition to these most important displays, a lot of extraordinary situations and errors have their own code displayed on the LCD. These codes are stored together with recorded data and they are listed in the CardioVisions software. This helps service personnel to identify causes of an unexpected behavior, result or error.
20