Re: best monitor

emvn80 — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:22:55 GMT

Vetronics are fab and their service is great- we have 2 x Merlin ventilators and I love the look of their monitors but I think they are quite expensive- def worth a look though- they are so good looking- like the Apple of the vet equipment world!

Re: best monitor

Celine — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:53:09 GMT

A little plug for a friend...

http://www.vetronic.co.uk/products_detail.php?id=22

Vetronics is a small business based in Devon, designing and building veterinary equipment designed by a vet who then went on to become an engineer. All equipment made specifically for the veterinary market and Keith (the vet/founder/director) is incredibly good at after-sale service, and is very willing to come out and train everyone in the practice in the correct use of the machines.

He has helped us with big procedures at the zoo in the past - and has a load of resources on his website regarding correct use and interpretation of equipment like capnographs, ECGs etc (generally, not just for his machines)

Good luck!

Re: best monitor

molladog — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:18:22 GMT

Thank you for the reply, very helpful. I will discuss it with the vet when she arrives tomorrow + we can look at the sites + see what we think. We have about 3000 pounds to spend thanks to the hardworking fundraising from one of our volunteers so want to put it to good use.

Re: best monitor

emvn80 — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:04:36 GMT

Hi,

I can certainly try and help but much of depends on budget and what you want out of your monitor. For example do you want capnography, and do you want a full gas bench monitoring inspired and end tidal oxygen and iso concentrations ( a gas bench does add on the cost quite considerably).

I use (amongst others) a Mindray PM8000 which is a veterinary multiparameter monitor, as standard they come with SpO2, oscillometric NIBP, ECG and temp, I believe for around £1,600 plus VAT . However If it was me, I would want a capnograph too. This adds on about £1,000 to the price so you would be looking at around £2,600 I reckon. (This will give you a sidestream capnograph and EtCO2 but not inspred oxygen and isoflurane concentrations- not crucial if cost is an issue in my opinion) You can also add on direct BP for a couple of hundred I think. I have also used similar Datex machines and Fukudas (quite expensive I think). The Mindrays PM8000 is light-weight, portable and has a decent battery and works reliably on cats to big dogs. They use single lumen BP cuffs so the same cuffs can be used with the Doppler (some monitors use different double lumen cuffs!) We are a large hospital with lots of monitrs and equipment to service so we get ours through Southwest medical. We then have a service contract with them I am not sure if they deal in one-off moniotr purchases but I think they do, have a look http://www.southwestmedical.co.uk/ they have pre-owned and new equipment for sale and their after sales care is great (although we do have an expensive service contract ;-) ) they will give you troubleshooting advice over the phone and the instruction manual is very comprehensive

The other option is a company like 'Surgical systems' I have used them lots of times for equipment but never for monitors so can't comment on specific monitors. They source 2nd hand refurbished or ex-hospital equipment and some new stuff. I find them very helpful and they often have more than advertised online, so always worth emailing them with what you want...website link below...

http://www.surgicalsystemsltd.co.uk/MONITORS/MONITORS%20+%20PULSE%20OXIMETERS.html

Burtons and JAK marketing also sell various multiparameter monitors but I can't comment on them specifically. The best advice I would give you is to get a demonstration if possible from the comapny, or at least make sure it has a good instruction manual! The suplpier/manufacturer should be able to help you troubleshoot so ask about after-sales service/aftercare, even if you don't take out a service contract find out if you can phone for advice. ANy multiparameter monitor will take a bit of getting used to and make sure you and the nurses using it now how to use it, do basic troubleshooting and know what the numbers mean! Revise normal values etc etc if they are a bit rusty . Excel CPD do some online webinar tutorials- link below (I did some of them(!) which may help you and the other nurses brush up on respiratory and cardiovascular monitoring if necessary before you use the monitors. I believe as much knowledge is necessary to allow people get the best out of their anaesthe tic monitors.

http://ecpd-vetnurse.com/category/library/anaesthesia/

I hope this helps, sorry for the long and complicated reply!

Re: best monitor

molladog — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:21:36 GMT

I am replying to my own post to ask again if anyone can advise as no one has yet !