Journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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Audible pulse tones, based on a variable-pitch frequency scale, allow the anesthesiologist to determine the patient's oxygen saturation without constant visual examination of the monitor display. The ability to reliably detect oxygen saturation levels based on audible pulse tones may be compromised when multiple pulse oximeter systems are used. The goal of this observational study was to examine the pitch frequency scales from several different pulse oximeter manufacturers. ⋯ With such variation among systems, the ability to accurately determine oxygen saturation from a pulse tone may be hindered. In locations where different pulse oximeter systems are encountered, the potential for confusion exists. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of these differences, and should familiarize themselves with the audible frequency scale of a particular pulse oximeter model before its use.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Apr 2004
Clinical TrialMonitoring of arterial stiffness indices by applanation tonometry and pulse wave analysis: reproducibility at low blood pressures.
Aortic pulse wave analysis (PWA) reveals valuable information related to several hemodynamic characteristics mainly in normotensive and hypertensive patients. The main indices determined by PWA are augmentation index (AI) and reflection time index (RTI), which provide an indirect estimate of arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity. The objective of the present study was to assess the reproducibility of aortic AI and RTI obtained by an automated and commercially available system (SphygmoCor) applied in patients with low blood pressures where such data are lacking. ⋯ Pulse wave analysis and radial artery tonometry can be used to measure AI and RTI with satisfactory reproducibility even in low blood pressures. Ongoing research is required to establish PWA utility in clinical practice especially at patients with low blood pressures.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Apr 2004
Evaluation of impedance based indices of cardiac contractility in dogs.
Cardiac function can be monitored simply and safely by the impedance method. A number of parameters that reflect cardiac contractility can be derived from the impedance waveform. These include the systolic time ratio (STR), the index of contracticity (IC), the acceleration index (ACI) and the Heather index. This study evaluates their reliability. ⋯ ACI and the Heather index were the most reliable impedance derived indices of cardiac contractility.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Apr 2004
Clinical TrialIntramyocardial oxygen monitoring in coronary artery bypass surgery.
In coronary artery bypass surgery various parameters have been used to monitor patients clinical status. Direct monitoring of myocardial oxygenation can be performed by measuring intramyocardial partial oxygen tension pressure (p ti O2). This study was performed to determine the perioperative time course of this parameter in correlation to standard monitoring parameters. ⋯ Determination of intramyocardial partial oxygen pressure in patients undergoing bypass surgery shows characteristic changes. Changes in p ti O2 as a direct online parameter of myocardial oxygenation occur immediately after procedures that influence myocardial perfusion and therefore, may help to detect potential complications earlier than standard monitoring parameters in cardiac surgery.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Feb 2004
Computer keyboard and mouse as a reservoir of pathogens in an intensive care unit.
User interfaces of patient data management systems (PDMS) in intensive care units (ICU), like computer keyboard and mouse, may serve as reservoirs for the transmission of microorganisms. Pathogens may be transferred via the hands of personnel to the patient causing nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study was to examine the microbial contamination of computer user interfaces with potentially pathogenic microorganisms, compared with other fomites in a surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary teaching hospital. ⋯ The colonization rate for computer keyboard and mouse of a PDMS with potentially pathogenic microorganisms is greater than that of other user interfaces in a surgical ICU. These fomites may be additional reservoirs for the transmision of microorganisms and become vectors for cross-transmission of nosocomial infections in the ICU setting.