International journal of clinical monitoring and computing
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To address the problem of auditory alarms on anaesthesia monitoring and delivery devices whose signal is masked by the noises of other operating room equipment, a set of signals having the characteristics of spectral richness, frequency modulation, and temporal patterning were electronically generated, and were tested for detectability against operating room equipment noises in a laboratory setting. A set of signals was identified which can, under these circumstances, be detected with at least 93% accuracy at -24 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
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A conceptual framework is proposed for the selection of monitored parameters during anesthesia, and a new device for monitoring the parameters in a unified manner is briefly presented. A 'basic set' of 6 parameters is proposed to cover the needs of most routine anesthesia: Blood Pressure, ECG/Heart Rate, Temperature, FiO2, FetCO2, and, Cortical Activity (by EEG spectral analysis). Additional parameters are added in accordance with specified factors such as patient status and complexity of the surgical procedure. An initial version of a new monitor, 'Cerebro Trac', designed for neurosurgery and cardiovascular surgery, is briefly presented, along with planned future capabilities and directions for its use.
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Int J Clin Monit Comput · Jan 1984
Case ReportsPractical aspects of differential ventilation with selective peep in acute respiratory failure.
Hypoxaemia in association with acute respiratory failure continues to be a severe problem in some intensive care patients. Among strategies proposed, we want to focus attention on differential ventilation with selective PEEP, administered in the lateral position. ⋯ The rationale of this concept is briefly presented in this paper, where the main emphasis is laid on the practical aspects of its clinical application. Two case reports are included as examples of our experiences.
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A review of the literature and of our recent data (obtained by computer-based analysis of multiple inert gas elimination) re-emphasizes the significant gas exchange disturbances found to occur during general anesthesia which develop for probably several reasons. In this report we suggest firstly that the reduction in functional residual capacity (FRC) may well be an effect of anesthesia just as is abnormal gas exchange. In other words, the reduction in FRC is not per se the cause of gas exchange disturbances, but rather occurs alongside them. ⋯ Such factors include altered hypoxic vasoconstriction, a change in airway secretions and clearance of those secretions, changes in bronchomotor tone, changes in surfactant activity, and alveolar volume loss due to rapid uptake of soluble anesthetic gases like nitrous oxide. To qualitatively and quantitatively distinguish amongst these various potential factors will require experimental protocols and techniques of a highly controlled and accurate nature. That in 1983 we still do not understand the basic mechanisms behind abnormal gas exchange during anesthesia attests to the difficulty of mounting such an experiment.
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A data base system has been designed at the pediatric intensive care unit of St. Görans Hospital in Stockholm. Information on all cases treated during 1982 was retrieved, including information from another file containing data on inpatient stays in the county of Stockholm. ⋯ High mortality and long hospitalization after discharge from the ICU was seen in cases with neurological complications. All information was retrieved interactively from a display terminal at the department. This could be done at any hour of the day.