Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Laura Moss — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:54:00 GMT

when you apply the clips to the skin did you use both gel and spirit? and hoow do u apply?

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Amy Homer. RVN. NCert A&CC — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:24:17 GMT

just check that it isnt on 'freeze'.

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Jill Macdonald — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:03:27 GMT

I've found that with new items of equipment like this it always takes lots of practice to become proficient at using them, so I always put them on every routine GA, and just keep plugging away! There's always little ways of getting them to work better - think back to the days when we all first starting using pulse oximeters!

ECG should be lead II for routine PQRST trace. What I did was used crocodile clips, but filed down the teeth, and placed them on the fur but right up close in contact with the skin, and used lots of surgical spirit and gel. This always seemed to work well. Clips are horrible on actual skin and should be avoided at all costs! I always found the little sticky pads to be frustratingly hit and miss at getting a good contact, and can only be used once (or the contact is even harder to achieve) thus making them rather expensive...

Good to see some advice on capnography as I don't have much experience with this...

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

emvn80 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:59:52 GMT

We use the Unomedical /unilect pads- sticky gel on back too, 'ECG electrodes for neonates' ref 40713. They are 38mm by 19mm with the snap pad in the middle, we also tape them on with durapore tape for improved contact, but I've never had a problem with the clips falling off, but we use the pinch clips mainly rather than crocodile clips...crocodile clips do ping off if you are not careful!

Have you had any luck getting it to work? Have you contacted the supplier/tried a different cable/Lead/size?

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Laura Moss — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:14:29 GMT

We use some pads that we get from dunlops(sorry cant remeber the brand) they are quitre small maybe 2.5/3cm diameter and already pre geled, we also micropore them on. The reason why we use these because the pads have a lip on them at the bottom that has the press stud thing which moves a bit (hard to explain) so when we place the ecg clips on they dont just ping off, the others we have used have the press stud in the centre and the ecg just doesnt stay on. Which pads do you use?

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

emvn80 — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:54:06 GMT

Hi, Obviously I can't speak about your specific monitor, but yes, you can normally buy either crocodile clips or the other clips for most monitors although the pads should work fine as long as they have good contact- what Brand pads are you using? I would definitely contact the supplier of the monitor for help if the instruction manual is no use. with regards to the capnograph 45-55mmHg isn't too high for an animal under anaesthesia, even though it's a bit higher than textbook normal range- remember anaesthetic drugs will decrease the respiratory system. Obviously assess anaesthetic depth but maybe try reducing the iso/ anaes depth slightly if you can and see what happens- you may did the rate comes up a bit, the EtCO2 comes down a bit and the trace looks more 'normal'. I have to say I don't routinely 'sigh' but I do give the occasional breath if the EtCO2 gets up towards 60mmHg and I can't reduce anaesthetic depth any more. The table shouldn't interfere with the ECG but some clippers do if they are on the table, although the flat line you describe sounds more like either a contact issue or a cable issue- ie faulty cable/ loose connection where it plugs in to the machine. Sorry I can't be more helpful, hopefully the supplier can help

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Laura Moss — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:38:56 GMT

Hi, the lead we generally use is lead II, but even when we change it we just get a flat base line. It doesnt do this everytime but on majority. Could the size of ecg pad make a difference? or do you know if you can still get those crocodile clips to actually clip onto the animals skin? We have the monitor placed on the theatre table, do you think this could be causing electrical interference?

I notice the etCo2 is always high too, normally between 45-55mmHg and sometime seen it peak at 58-60. The anaesthetic depth seemed ok and the resp rate genrally be about 8-12bpm, do you think this could be hypoventilating? We also sigh for each patient every 5minutes.

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

emvn80 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:57:04 GMT

With regards to the ECG. What happens when you change to lead I or lead II? Does it work? Normally lead II is used for monitoring under anaesthesia however you should still get a trace with lead III. Could there be electrical interference from clippers? Do you get any sort of trace? Is it a flat line or very small complexes? Have you tried making the size bigger? With regards to the capnograph, the trace doesn't always look like textbook pictures, especially if the dog is breathing very slowly, there may be a long expiratory time, giving you a slightly different looking trace. Have you tried it on lots of different animals? What happens if you hand ventilate them for a few seconds? Are you getting a normal EtCO2? Have a look at the instruction manual, they often have a troubleshooting section at the back. Hope that helps

Re: Problems with Anaesthetic monitor, need HELP!!!

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:02:53 GMT

i'd contact jak technical dept for advice.

i place gel ecg pads on main pads and secure with tape for good contact, also you should be able to adjust the waveforms of all modules in the unit depending on your requirements for that patient.

again i'd ask technical support or ask for rep to come out and demo the unit to yuu.