VitaGuard® VG 2100
Apnea and Heart Rate Monitor
Operating instructions
Who should read which sections in these operating instructions?
The sections 3 to 7 colored blue at the top of the page and in
the table of contents are intended specifically for caregivers
without medical background knowledge.
The other sections are intended in particular for doctors and
qualified medical staff.
1 General view and list of accessories
2 Intended use
3 Safety
4 Description
5 Steps before and after monitoring
6 Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring
7 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring
8 Alarm and monitor settings
9 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
10 Algorithms and measuring principles
11 Evaluating stored data on a PC
12 Specifications
13 Table of figures
NOTE Words and passages in small capitals in these operating
instructions also appear on the display.
Table of contents
Table of contents
1 General view and list of accessories ...................................... 11
2 Intended use .......................................................................................... 14
2.1 Label on the back of the device .............................................................. 14
2.2 Symbols and warnings .............................................................................. 15
2.3 Indications .................................................................................................... 16
2.4 VitaGuard® modes of operation ............................................................ 16
2.5 Intended use and performance .............................................................. 17
2.6 Limitations on VitaGuard®’s intended use ......................................... 18
2.6.1 Obstructive apneas are not detected ................................... 18
2.6.2 Limitations of the heart rate and central apnea
monitor ......................................................................................... 18
2.7 Information for the doctor on these operating instructions ......... 19
3 Safety .......................................................................................................... 20
3.1 Caregivers’ tasks ......................................................................................... 20
3.2 Allergy risks to patients ............................................................................ 22
3.3 Possible external interference to monitoring .................................... 22
3.3.1 Installation and environment ................................................ 22
3.3.2 Noise risks to monitoring ........................................................ 23
3.3.3 Electrostatic interference ........................................................ 24
3.3.4 Electromagnetic interference ................................................. 24
3.4 Safety with approved accessories only ................................................ 25
3.5 Handling patient cables ........................................................................... 26
3.6 Power supply reliability ............................................................................ 26
3.6.1 Battery voltage indicator ......................................................... 28
3.6.2 Interruptions to the power supply ........................................ 28
3.6.3 Using the rechargeable block battery .................................. 29
3.7 Safety with proper maintenance only .................................................. 30
3.7.1 Cleaning VitaGuard® and accessories ................................. 30
3.7.2 Checking and cleaning the battery terminals ................... 31
3.8 Disposing of non-rechargeable batteries, the device, and
accessories .................................................................................................... 31
Table of contents
4 Description .............................................................................................. 33
4.1 Power supply ............................................................................................... 34
4.1.1 Power failure with inserted batteries .................................. 35
4.1.2 Power failure without batteries ............................................ 35
4.1.3 Replacing batteries .................................................................... 36
4.1.4 Using the automobile power supply adapter ................... 37
4.2 VitaGuard® connections .......................................................................... 38
4.2.1 Patient cable for electrodes .................................................... 38
4.2.2 Power adapter ............................................................................. 39
4.2.3 Sound outlet (no socket) .......................................................... 39
4.2.4 USB port ........................................................................................ 40
4.2.5 AUX port ....................................................................................... 40
4.3 Membrane key panel ................................................................................ 41
4.3.1 Direction keys .............................................................................. 42
4.3.2 <Enter> key ................................................................................... 42
4.3.3 <Esc> key ....................................................................................... 42
4.4 Color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) ....................................................... 43
4.4.1 Alarm LED ..................................................................................... 43
4.4.2 Heart and respiration LEDs ..................................................... 43
4.4.3 Power supply and battery LEDs ............................................. 44
4.5 The display ................................................................................................... 44
5 Steps before and after monitoring ......................................... 46
5.1 Summary of steps before monitoring .................................................. 46
5.2 Switching on ................................................................................................ 47
5.3 Switching off ............................................................................................... 48
5.4 Summary of steps after monitoring ..................................................... 48
6 Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring ........... 49
6.1 Safety information when monitoring heart rate and apnea ........ 49
6.2 Connecting electrodes, the patient cable, and VitaGuard® .......... 52
6.3 Technical alarm from the electrode contact monitor ..................... 52
6.4 Determining the optimal electrode configuration .......................... 53
6.4.1 ECG lead, electrode color coding ........................................... 53
6.4.2 Optimizing the heart and respiration signals –
signal amplitudes in View 1 ................................................... 54
Table of contents
6.5 Checking the basal impedance .............................................................. 55
7 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring ............ 57
7.1 Alarm test ..................................................................................................... 57
7.2 Heart rate values based on age groups .............................................. 57
7.3 Alarm message priorities in the status line ........................................ 58
7.4 Physiological and technical alarms ....................................................... 58
7.5 Differentiating physiological and technical alarm signals ............ 59
7.6 Acoustic information signals .................................................................. 60
7.6.1 Information signals from the alarm unit next to the
display ............................................................................................ 60
7.6.2 Information signals from the sound aperture
between the sockets ................................................................. 60
7.7 The visual alarm signals ........................................................................... 60
7.8 Status line displays .................................................................................... 60
7.9 Heart rate and apnea monitoring ......................................................... 62
7.9.1 Heart rate alarms ....................................................................... 62
7.9.2 Apnea alarms ............................................................................... 62
7.9.3 Technical heart rate and apnea alarms ............................... 63
7.10 Alarm messages – meanings and other information ...................... 63
7.10.1 Order of equal-priority alarm conditions ............................ 63
7.10.2 Table of physiological alarm messages ............................... 63
7.10.3 Table of technical alarm messages ....................................... 65
7.11 Table of information messages .............................................................. 67
8 Alarm and monitor settings ........................................................ 68
8.1 Safety instructions for the alarm settings .......................................... 68
8.2 Summary of views and menus ............................................................... 69
8.3 Additional views ......................................................................................... 69
8.3.1 View 2 – Large data presentation and waveforms .......... 70
8.3.2 View 3 – Smaller data presentation and waveforms ...... 70
8.4 Changing the settings ............................................................................... 70
8.5 System menu – general settings ............................................................ 72
8.5.1 \ Screen saver (Off/ On) ......................................................... 72
8.5.2 \LCD brightness ....................................................................... 72
8.5.3 \LCD contrast ........................................................................... 72
8.5.4 \ Signal beep tone ..................................................................... 73
Table of contents
8.5.5 \ Alarm tone pitch ................................................................... 73
8.5.6 \RS232 format ........................................................................... 73
8.5.7 \ Settings protection On, Limited, Off ............................. 74
8.6 Heart rate display and menu ................................................................ 75
8.6.1 Heart rate display ..................................................................... 75
8.6.2 Heart rate menu – alarm settings (Settings
protection Limited) .................................................................. 75
8.7 Respiration display and menu .............................................................. 77
8.7.1 Respiration display ................................................................... 77
8.7.2 Respiration menu – alarm settings (Settings
protection Limited) .................................................................. 78
9 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff ..... 79
9.1 Safety instructions ..................................................................................... 79
9.1.1 Preparing for a new patient .................................................... 79
9.1.2 Connections to the USB and AUX ports .............................. 81
9.1.3 VitaGuard® and other medical devices ............................... 81
9.2 Info display .................................................................................................. 82
9.2.1 \ Last status messages ............................................................ 82
9.2.2 \ General ...................................................................................... 83
9.2.3 \ Measurements: HR & Resp. .................................................. 84
9.2.4 \ Settings: Heart rate .............................................................. 85
9.2.5 \ Settings: Apnea monitor .................................................... 85
9.2.6 \ Memory/ Internet ................................................................. 86
9.2.7 \Versions .................................................................................... 86
9.3 Settings in the System menu (Settings protection Off) .............. 87
9.3.1 Changing multiple-component settings ............................ 87
9.3.2 \ Operating area: Home or Clinic ........................................ 88
9.3.3 \Admit new patient – restoring factory settings ........... 88
9.3.4 \Pre- and Post-alarm time .................................................... 90
9.3.5 \ Alarm mute time .................................................................... 90
9.3.6 \Date/time ................................................................................. 90
9.3.7 \ Language .................................................................................. 91
9.3.8 \Analog input 1 + 2 ................................................................ 91
9.3.9 \ Interval recording ............................................................... 91
9.4 Data storage functions ............................................................................. 91
Table of contents
9.5 Event storage .............................................................................................. 92
9.5.1 Silent alarm limits ................................................................... 94
9.5.2 Manual data storage or Transmit data .......................... 94
9.5.3 Summary of stored Events ...................................................... 95
9.6 Trend storage .............................................................................................. 96
9.7 Long term storage over eight hours .................................................... 96
9.8 Protocol storage of operating and device data ............................. 96
9.9 Summary of stored signals and data .................................................... 97
9.10 Settings in the Heart rate menu (Settings protection Off) ....... 98
9.11 Changing the ECG lead for signal optimization ...................................101
9.12 Settings in the Respiration menu (Settings protection Off) .....103
10 Algorithms and measuring principles ..................................105
10.1 Alarm condition and report delays ........................................................105
10.1.1 Alarm condition delay for the heart rate ............................105
10.1.3 Alarm condition delay for respiration ..................................106
10.1.4 Alarm report delays ...................................................................106
10.2 Measuring principle for the heart rate monitor ...................................107
10.3 Measuring principle for the apnea monitor .......................................108
11 Evaluating stored data on a PC .................................................110
12 Specifications ........................................................................................112
12.1 General ..........................................................................................................112
12.2 Heart rate monitor .....................................................................................114
12.3 Apnea monitor ............................................................................................114
12.4 Intervals for calculating average values in the Info mask .............115
12.5 Memory .........................................................................................................115
12.6 Ports ................................................................................................................115
12.7 Miscellaneous ..............................................................................................116
12.8 Selection of applied standards ...............................................................117
13 Table of figures .....................................................................................119
Table of contents
General view and list of accessories 11
1 General view and list of accessories
The general view shows the monitoring system’s most important
components.
External
power adapter
ECG
patient cable
ECG
electrodes
Fig. 1 General view of the monitoring system
12 General view and list of accessories
The accessories listed in the following can be used together with
VitaGuard® and can be ordered with the specified article numbers
from getemed AG or authorized dealers. Please consult getemed AG
or your authorized dealer for other approved accessories.
Product .............................................................................. Article no. / REF
VitaGuard® VG
2100 Monitor
complete system ............................................................................ 7311 1022
1 VitaGuard® VG 2100 monitor
1 ECG patient cable, 9 neonatal electrodes
1 NA3000-2 external power adapter
1 rechargeable block battery
1 device bag
1 operating instructions, 1 quick reference
Transport case
3000-2 external power adapter
NA
(110
V–240 V~ / 50–60 Hz) ............................................................ 7344 1101
NAK
3000-2 automobile power supply adapter ................... 7344 1201
Rechargeable block battery ......................................................... 7344 2201
PK1-8P ECG patient cable ............................................................ 7341 1001
Kitty Cat™ neonatal electrodes (PU = 30 pcs) ................................ 70222
Operating instructions (English) ................................................ 7381 1021
Alarm chart (English) ..................................................................... 7383 1021
Device bag ........................................................................................ 7345 1001
VitaGuard® transport case (for the complete system) ........ 7391 0001
AUX 01 RS232 cable for connecting VitaGuard®
to a serial PC port ........................................................................... 7341 2002
AUX-02 modem cable for connecting a
modem to VitaGuard® .................................................................. 7341 3001
General view and list of accessories 13
AUX-03 cable for connecting an external alarm unit
to VitaGuard® ................................................................................ 7341 5001
AUX-04 cable for connecting VitaGuard®
to a nurse call system with 4 kV isolation ............................... 7341 5011
AUX-06 cable for connecting two external signal sources
to VitaGuard® .................................................................................. 7341 6001
14 Intended use
2 Intended use
This section provides information on the intended use of VitaGuard®
and the limitations of this intended use.
CAUTION Do not attempt to use VitaGuard® for detecting obstructive apneas. Obstructive apneas, i.e. respiratory arrest following an
occluded respiratory tract, are not detected by VitaGuard®. Food
debris or vomit, for example, can occlude the respiratory tract.
The doctor treating the patient is responsible for the application of
VitaGuard®. The specific “Information for the doctor and qualified
medical staff” can be found on page 79.
getemed AG recommends qualified training for the caregivers in
potentially necessary resuscitation techniques. Clearing the respiratory tract and the resuscitation of babies and infants require particular know-how that the treating doctor should communicate to the
caregivers.
2.1 Label on the back of the device
The device label serves as a
unique identifier for VitaGuard®. In addition, the label
bears important cautionary
information.
On the device label you will
find the manufacturer’s name
and address as well as the
product and model name. The
serial number of your device is
given next to SN.
Fig. 2 Device label on the bottom of the device
Intended use 15
2.2 Symbols and warnings
This symbol warns you that failure to observe these operating instructions can cause death or injury to the patient.
The book symbol means that you must not use the device when you are not familiar with the information contained in these operating instructions.
With this CE label and the CE approval number 0197
getemed AG confirms that VitaGuard® complies with all
the pertinent regulations and in particular the requirements in Annex I of the Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EWG and that this has been approved by a notified body (TÜV Rheinland Product Safety).
This symbol means that the VitaGuard®’s ECG socket is a
type CF (cardio floating) application part and that it is
protected against the effects of defibrillation.
The factory symbol shows the year of manufacture.
Note the warnings on the device label.
Do not use in explosive atmospheres!
Use the NA 3000-2 power adapter only!
Warning: Do not connect to an electrical socket controlled by a wall
switch!
Only new alkaline batteries (LR6 or AA) must be used when the
device is powered by non-rechargeable batteries! Note the polarity!
16 Intended use
2.3 Indications
VitaGuard® can be used to monitor patients with, for example, the
following symptoms or treatment:
unstable respiration
life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmia
conspicuous sleep laboratory findings
facial and/ or cervical and thoracic dysmorphia
distinct gastro-esophageal reflux
ataxia
The heart rate and apnea monitor is suitable for adult, pediatric, and
infant patients at home or in rooms used for medical purposes.
The apnea monitor is specifically intended for monitoring central
apneas. Successful apnea monitoring requires a stable underground
and a patient that lies quietly without moving.
2.4 VitaGuard® modes of operation
Depending on the risk group and the latest diagnosis, VitaGuard®
allows the treating doctor to combine two monitoring parameters:
heart rate monitoring
apnea monitoring
The doctor can deactivate the apnea monitor in the Respiration
menu.
In addition to the fixed alarm limits for the heart rate monitor, the
doctor or the qualified medical staff can also configure percentage
deviations as alarm conditions.
The doctor or the qualified medical staff can find all other explanations they may need in the following sections:
Intended use 17
“Settings in the Heart rate menu (Settings protection Off)” on
page 98,
“Settings in the Respiration menu (Settings protection Off)” on
page 103,
2.5 Intended use and performance
The intended use of VitaGuard® is to detect central apneas when the
patient is completely immobile on a stable underground and to monitor the heart. VitaGuard® is designed for applications at home and in
rooms used for medical purposes. VitaGuard® has no therapeutic effect.
VitaGuard® emits an acoustic and visual alarm when no respiration or
movement is detected within a set period, when the measured heart
rate values violate the set alarm limits for a period also set by the
operator, and/or when no heartbeat has been detected for a set
period. The alarm limits can be set within particular values specified
by VitaGuard®.
Respiration and heart rate are monitored with adhesive ECG electrodes. VitaGuard® determines the heart rate from the ECG signal
detected by the electrodes.
VitaGuard® features an impedance monitor that triggers a technical
alarm when an electrode exhibits impedance values that are not
compatible with proper operation. This is the case, for example, when
an electrode has become detached.
Physiological data measured for a set period before and after an
alarm are stored and can afterwards be evaluated and documented.
VitaGuard® can be operated with the NA3000-2 power adapter (9 V),
the NAK3000-2 automobile power adapter (e.g. in the cigarette
lighter), four non-rechargeable batteries, or a rechargeable block
battery. Non-rechargeable batteries or the rechargeable block battery
serve above all to safeguard the monitor’s functions during a power
failure and to continue monitoring when patients are in transit.
18 Intended use
2.6 Limitations on VitaGuard®’s intended use
Even when operated in accordance with its intended use, VitaGuard® cannot detect all life-threatening situations under certain
unfavorable conditions.
2.6.1 Obstructive apneas are not detected
Obstructive apneas are not detected by VitaGuard®. The caregiver
may have to remove food debris from the patient’s oral cavity.
When an obstructive apnea at the same time triggers a bradycardia
alarm (heart rate too low), resuscitation measures may need to be
taken.
2.6.2 Limitations of the heart rate and central apnea
monitor
VitaGuard® could misinterpret movements as respiration, e.g. in
ambulances, cars, and prams or when a child is held in the arms. For
this reason central apneas can be detected only when the patient is
sleeping or is lying still, does not move, and is not being moved.
The heart rate can be monitored with electrodes also when the
patient is moving, but sudden, vigorous movements can adversely
affect the measuring accuracy.
A false heart rate is displayed during ventricular fibrillation or when
the heart rate exceeds 270 beats per minute.
Intended use 19
2.7 Information for the doctor on these
operating instructions
In full knowledge of these operating instructions, the treating doctor must decide:
whether the caregivers have to be trained in the performance of
resuscitation measures,
how the caregivers can be best prepared for monitoring and
above all for the measures that must be taken in the event of an
alarm,
which View should be displayed
Information on Settings protection that sets the display modes and
user configurations can be found on page 73.
“Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff” is found on
page 79.
20 Safety
3 Safety
The responsible doctor decides whether the caregivers are able to
use VitaGuard® for monitoring and whether they can implement
appropriate measures in the event of an alarm.
3.1 Caregivers’ tasks
With “caregivers” we mean those persons who are responsible during
monitoring for the monitored patient’s well-being, for example:
parents or other members of the family,
babysitters, when they too have been thoroughly prepared for the
situation,
nurses and other medically trained staff.
Observe in particular the information in those sections of the operating instructions that, like here, address you directly.
Observe the extensive safety instructions at the beginning of the
section “Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring” on page 49.
VitaGuard® has no therapeutic effect. You may have to implement
resuscitation measures in the event of an alarm.
The potential applications of VitaGuard® for high-risk patients are
so many and diverse that we are unable to give any specific instructions on procedure in the event of an alarm. It is the doctor’s task to
inform high-risk patients and their caregivers in detail on the correct
procedure in this case.
An alarm chart is available from getemed AG when monitoring
children. This alarm chart presents a sequence of activities that are
considered suitable by many medical specialists and pediatricians.
Do not attempt to use VitaGuard® on more than one patient at a
time.
Safety 21
Never modify settings without consulting the responsible doctor.
Only the doctor knows the correct alarm limits and monitor configuration for each patient.
Never leave the patient’s room without first making sure that the
LEDs for heart and respiration are flashing.
Make absolutely sure that you can react to an alarm within a few
seconds. Move away from patients only so far that you can reach
them within ten seconds.
When you are not sure that VitaGuard® is in perfect operating order,
check the patient’s vital functions. Under no circumstances should
you use VitaGuard® when you suspect a device defect.
In the event of ANY suspected VitaGuard® malfunction, continue to
observe the patient until you can use a replacement monitor, or
VitaGuard® has been examined by the doctor or authorized dealer.
Stop using VitaGuard® after the servicing interval of eighteen
months has expired. Before the end of this period, make an appointment with your authorized dealer to check the safety and
operability of your device.
Test the acoustic alarm unit every time you switch on VitaGuard®.
This is explained in the section “Alarm test” on page 57.
CAUTION! When attaching the electrodes make sure that the plugs
do not touch any other electrically conducting parts. Make sure that
there can also be no contact with other electrically conducting parts
when the electrodes become detached during monitoring.
Treat all leads and connections with particular care, and never use
the connecting cables to lift VitaGuard®.
Switch off VitaGuard® before boarding an aircraft. When you want
to transport VitaGuard® in your luggage, you should remove the
batteries. This prevents other pieces of luggage from switching on
the device by accident. An activated, but disconnected VitaGuard®
will generate acoustic alarm signals.
22 Safety
3.2 Allergy risks to patients
Attach ECG electrodes to intact areas of skin only.
So that the permanent contact with the electrodes does not put too
much of a strain on the patient’s skin, the electrodes can be placed
in the vicinity of the optimal site.
All materials that are used with VitaGuard® and can come into contact with patient or caregivers during normal operations are free of
latex and are non-toxic in accordance with the standard ISO 10993-1.
getemed AG recommends replacing the adhesive electrodes used to
monitor heart rate and apnea as soon as they start to lose their
adherence. The special gel for the electrodes has been developed to
avoid skin irritation, even after several months’ monitoring on newborns.
Nevertheless, patients with sensitive skin may suffer allergic reactions in the form of reddened skin and blistering that in serious cases
may look like burns. When the skin exhibits such changes, you must
immediately inform the doctor. A change of electrode type may help.
3.3 Possible external interference to monitoring
Please bear in mind the possibility of other risks that are not listed
here that can be caused by your specific monitoring environment.
3.3.1 Installation and environment
We recommend hanging VitaGuard® in the delivered bag at a place
where the display can be easily viewed.
Check, as described in the section “Alarm test” on page 57, that you
can hear alarms and where you can hear them. Think also of the
activities that cause noises, for example showering or vacuuming.
Think before you raise the volume of your television or stereo. Also,
Safety 23
the VitaGuard®’s alarm outlet should not be obstructed by any
objects that absorb sound.
Never place VitaGuard® or the power adapter such that they could
fall on the patient. For example, the power adapter could become
detached from an overhead socket when the cable is pulled.
Do not immerse either VitaGuard® or the accessories in liquids.
Variations in temperature and air humidity could lead to condensation
forming in and on VitaGuard®. Wait for at least two hours after VitaGuard® has visibly dried on the outside before using it for monitoring.
Do not operate VitaGuard® in environments containing explosive
gases, flammable substances, nitrous gases, or highly oxygen-enriched atmospheres. Do not use VitaGuard® at extreme temperatures
below 5 °C or above 40 °C. Do not place VitaGuard® near heat sources
such as radiators, ovens, etc. Do not expose it to direct sunlight.
Always lay all cables and in particular any extension cables so that
nobody can trip over them.
Do not place VitaGuard® directly next to the patient’s head: risk of
hearing damage!
3.3.2 Noise risks to monitoring
When the alarm cannot be set to a volume that is sufficiently above
the prevailing ambient noise levels, you must keep VitaGuard® and
its display within view. The visual signals from the alarm LED and
display must then be relied upon to recognize critical situations.
You can also use the external alarm unit available from getemed AG
that raises the volume of the alarm signals from VitaGuard®.
Information on the alarm signal types and volumes can be found in
“Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring” on page 57. The
alarm pitch is set as explained in the section “System menu – general
settings” on page 72.
24 Safety
3.3.3 Electrostatic interference
Electrostatic build-up that, for example, a person can pick up on
certain carpets must not discharge through the VitaGuard® connector sockets or the electrodes’ electrically conducting parts.
For this reason, avoid touching the electrically conducting parts, or
discharge any electrostatic build-up beforehand by, for example,
touching an earthed water pipe or heater.
3.3.4 Electromagnetic interference
VitaGuard® is not designed for applications near strong electromagnetic fields. These interference fields are frequently emitted by
devices with large electric power consumptions. Keep a good distance from e.g. washing machines, computers, microwaves, vacuum
cleaners, power tools, etc.
The device and the system can be used in the home and in all other
environments that public utilities supply directly.
Bear in mind that portable and mobile HF communication devices,
e.g. cellular phones, radio equipment, walkie-talkies, etc., can interfere with the monitor and influence its operability.
Bear in mind that non-approved accessories can amplify emitted
interference and reduce the device’s immunity.
Do not place the monitor directly next to other electrical equipment,
and do not stack monitors on top of each other.
When the monitor has to be placed next to or on other equipment,
check that the monitor operates as designed in this environment.
We recommend you to check at regular intervals:
– that the displayed signals are not disrupted when the patient is
not moving,
– whether the same technical alarm messages are repeatedly dis played.
Safety 25
When you discover disruptions:
– if possible, switch off the interfering equipment or move this
equipment to another site.
VitaGuard® uses high-frequency signals exclusively for its internal
functions. As a result, its emitted interference is very low, and disruption to neighboring electronic equipment is unlikely.
False diagnoses are possible when monitored values are corrupted
by interference from electric or electromagnetic fields and this
escapes the doctor’s attention. Every time you analyze stored data,
consider the possibility of interference from electric or electromagnetic fields.
VitaGuard®’s emitted interference and immunity to external interference are within the limits for life-supporting systems stipulated in the
standard EN 60601-1-2.
3.4 Safety with approved accessories only
Use VitaGuard® only with the delivered or approved accessories and
in accordance with the information contained in these and the
accessories’ operating instructions.
Electrodes, cables, and power adapters can be ordered from your
authorized dealer or directly from getemed AG. The telephone number of your authorized dealer was given to you during your training
on how to operate the device, or it is found on a label your authorized dealer has attached to VitaGuard®.
Bear in mind that monitoring can continue without interruption
only as long as the required consumables are available. In emergencies of this nature you can call your authorized dealer, who provides
24-hour emergency services. Please try, however, to avoid unnecessary stress for both yourself and your authorized dealer, and order
your consumables in good time.
26 Safety
The modem used to transfer monitoring data must comply with the
requirements under the German and European standard DIN EN
60950 “Safety of IT Equipment” with the amendments A1–A4. These
details are found in the modem’s operating instructions.
3.5 Handling patient cables
Always lay patient cables at a good distance from the patient’s head
and neck. Lay each patient cable inside the clothing, and secure it in
place in such a way that no harm can come to the patient or cable
(strangulation, twisting).
Make sure when laying and securing patient cables that these cannot kink (kinking causes damage).
For hygiene reasons, always use the same patient cable on the one
patient. Disinfect patient cables before using them on a new patient.
When more than one monitor is used in the one environment, each
monitor should always be connected to the same patient cables and
the same power adapter. Faults can therefore be located and remedied faster.
3.6 Power supply reliability
Before first using VitaGuard® for monitoring, familiarize yourself
with the section “Power supply” on page 34. Monitoring is safeguarded only when the power supply is in perfect operating order.
CAUTION: Danger of electric shock! Never open the external power
adapter or the connecting cable.
Exclusively the NA 3000-2 approved for VitaGuard® must be used as
the external power adapter.
VitaGuard® is usually delivered with the external power adapter for
European supply networks. For other supply networks, use only the
plug adapters available from getemed AG.
Safety 27
Do not use the external power adapter in sockets that can be
switched off or dimmed.
When the VitaGuard® external power adapter is plugged into a
multiple socket outlet, only the modem may be connected to this
outlet simultaneously.
When an extension cable is used with a multiple socket outlet, this
outlet must not lie on the floor. Otherwise water may penetrate the
outlet and damage the monitor.
The external power adapter and the power outlet must be free of
damage.
Never use the external power adapter’s cable to lift VitaGuard®.
Stop using the external power adapter when it has fallen or been
dropped.
Do not operate the external power adapter in a damp environment
(e.g. in the bathroom).
Always leave the batteries in VitaGuard®, even when this is oper-
ated through the external power adapter.
VitaGuard® operates with batteries: either non-rechargeable batter-
ies or a rechargeable block battery. VitaGuard® must be operated
only with the rechargeable block battery available from getemed AG
or new alkaline non-rechargeable 1.5 V batteries (LR6 or AA), e.g.
VARTA UNIVERSAL ALKALINE. Bear in mind that cheaper nonalkaline non-rechargeable batteries can have a considerably reduced
operating lifetime, in some cases only 10–15% of the brand name
batteries we recommend.
Do not under any circumstances use single rechargeable batteries
available on the market.
Never use a non-rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery
together in the device, and never mix old and new batteries.
28 Safety
To prevent leaking batteries from damaging health and property,
remove non-rechargeable batteries from VitaGuard® when it is not
used for longer than a week. Information on “Replacing batteries”
can be found on page 36.
3.6.1 Battery voltage indicator
When VitaGuard® is powered only by non-rechargeable batteries,
check the battery voltage indicator on the
display every hour. At least one quarter of
the battery symbol must be black.
Fig. 3 Battery voltage indicator
When VitaGuard® is powered from the supply network and commercially available non-rechargeable batteries are inserted, check
the battery voltage indicator on the display every day. Even when
the device is powered from the supply network, you must replace
the non-rechargeable batteries as soon as one quarter of the battery
symbol on the display is black.
If necessary, a display message will prompt you to insert new nonrechargeable batteries or to recharge the block battery.
3.6.2 Interruptions to the power supply
When the external power adapter is connected VitaGuard® operates
automatically in supply network mode. When the supply network
fails, VitaGuard® switches automatically to battery mode – when
batteries are inserted.
As long as VitaGuard® is powered from the external power adapter or
the automobile power supply, the green LED next to the power
adapter symbol lights up.
Normal voltage fluctuations in the supply network do not adversely
affect monitoring with VitaGuard®. Following a power supply failure,
Safety 29
the current alarm settings are retained for at least thirty days and are
again available when the device is switched back on.
3.6.3 Using the rechargeable block battery
Note the warnings on the rechargeable block battery’s label.
Do not open or short-circuit!
Do not throw into a fire!
Avoid temperatures over 50 °C!
The charging time for the block battery is
at most six hours.
Fig. 4 Rechargeable block battery
Also note the recycling symbol on the label. This means
that the block battery must be recycled when its service life
has expired.
Do not expose the block battery to direct sunlight. For example,
temperatures greater than 50 °C can easily occur on a vehicle’s
dashboard or rear shelf.
When you intend to use VitaGuard® powered from the rechargeable
battery block and disconnected from the supply network, you must
first make sure that the block battery is fully charged. For this reason, check the “Battery charging” LED. The battery is
being charged as long as this LED light is continuously
on. When the LED flashes every second, the battery is
full and compensation charging is activated.
Sometimes the LED will go out for a short time in the interval between battery and compensation charging.
30 Safety
3.7 Safety with proper maintenance only
VitaGuard® can operate safely and reliably over the long term only
when it is subject to proper maintenance and use.
Check visually for any damage on VitaGuard®, the patient cables
including the connections, the external power adapter, and the
electrodes every time you use VitaGuard® for monitoring.
Every eighteen months at the latest VitaGuard® and accessories
must be serviced by getemed AG to comply with safety regulations.
Repairs must be performed by getemed
sary procedure with your authorized dealer.
For the protection of our service personnel, disinfect VitaGuard® and
the patient cables with Virkon®, available as a spray or wiping solution, before sending them to getemed AG.
AG only. Clarify the neces-
3.7.1 Cleaning VitaGuard® and accessories
Before cleaning VitaGuard®, remove the batteries.
Before cleaning VitaGuard®, detach the electrodes and cables from
the monitor and from the patient.
Do not under any circumstances use solvents like ether, acetone, or
benzene. These substances can cause malfunctions and attack the
housing plastic.
Also, do not use any cleaning agents containing abrasive substances
and no coarse brushes or hard objects.
VitaGuard® and accessories can be cleaned any number of times
when the recommended cleaning agents are used.
VitaGuard® and accessories must not be sterilized.
VitaGuard® and the cable plugs must not be immersed or otherwise
penetrated by liquid.
Safety 31
Cleaning the exterior is best done with a non-linting cloth moistened
slightly with water or a mild soap solution.
getemed AG recommends disinfecting the device with Virkon®,
available as a spray or wiping solution.
Patient cables can be cleaned with liquid Cable Care or with a 70%
alcohol solution. Baby oil has proved to be effective in removing
residue from adhesive strips.
The VitaGuard® bag can be washed by hand at 30 C. It must not be
put in the laundry dryer.
3.7.2 Checking and cleaning the battery terminals
Check the battery compartment every month for traces of leaking
and for deposits on the battery terminals indicating leaks. Contact
your authorized dealer and clarify further procedures when a battery starts to leak.
The battery compartment and how to replace the batteries are
explained in the section “Replacing batteries” on page 36.
3.8 Disposing of non-rechargeable batteries, the
device, and accessories
getemed AG takes back all of the parts it delivers. For hygiene reasons
these parts do not extend to consumables like electrodes that have
been in direct contact with the patient.
The symbol of the crossed-out waste container on the battery packaging is to remind you that under no circumstances must you dispose of batteries in normal household waste. As the end consumer
you are legally obliged to return used batteries or dispose of them
properly. You can return used batteries to us.
32 Safety
Place consumables like electrodes in a plastic bag before disposing
of them in household waste.
Please do not send us any used electrodes.
Like every electronic device, VitaGuard® and accessories contain
metal and plastic parts that must be disposed of in such a way that
they do not pollute the environment after their service live. For this
reason, the device and accessories may be sent to getemed AG in an
adequately stamped package, when possible in the original packaging, for free and proper disposal.
Description 33
4 Description
We recommend placing VitaGuard® in the bag provided. This bag protects the monitor and can be hung from a site where it cannot fall.
Fig. 5 VitaGuard® and bag with power and patient cables
34 Description
4.1 Power supply
VitaGuard® is usually delivered with the power adapter
for European supply networks. For other supply networks, contact getemed for the appropriate plug
adapter. Observe the information in “Power supply
reliability” on page 26.
Fig. 6 Power adapter socket
VitaGuard® is normally
supplied by the power
adapter (Fig. 7, left) in the
230 V/50 Hz supply network.
The NAK
3000-2 automo-
bile power supply adapter
(Fig. 7, right) for vehicle
dashboards can be inserted
in this socket.
Fig. 7 Power adapter for 230 V/ 50 Hz supply network and automobile power supply
When VitaGuard® is supplied by the external power adapter, the
green LED lights up next to the power adapter symbol. In addition,
the display backlight is activated when VitaGuard® is switched on.
When VitaGuard® is supplied by the power adapter only, without inserted batteries, a display message will prompt you to insert batteries.
When VitaGuard® is supplied by the power adapter, charging of the
inserted rechargeable block battery is activated. The LED next to the
battery symbol illuminates.
Description 35
4.1.1 Power failure with inserted batteries
VitaGuard® automatically switches to battery mode when the external power supply fails or the power adapter is disconnected. In this
event a technical alarm is permanently emitted until the power
supply has been reinstated or the <Esc> key pressed.
When the supply network LED is off, but you can still see the usual
monitor displays, VitaGuard® is being supplied by the batteries.
4.1.2 Power failure without batteries
VitaGuard® is fitted with an internal battery. This provides the voltage for an acoustic signal that is emitted when monitoring cannot be
continued during a power failure.
The acoustic alarm from the internal battery does not stop until
VitaGuard® has been switched back on after the power adapter has
been reconnected or batteries have been inserted.
A power failure jeopardizes monitoring when
the batteries in the VitaGuard® are nearly depleted or
no batteries have been inserted and VitaGuard® is disconnected
from the external power adapter.
To stop the power draw on the internal battery, it is important that
non-rechargeable batteries are inserted as quickly as possible or,
better, the power adapter is reconnected.
VitaGuard® must not be used for monitoring when the internal
battery is depleted. This status appears on the display.
A new internal battery can be installed at getemed AG only, so you
must continue monitoring with a replacement device until the internal battery has been displaced.
36 Description
4.1.3 Replacing batteries
Switch off VitaGuard® before replacing batteries.
Push back the catch and
lift off the battery cover to
open the battery compartment. Insert either
four non-rechargeable
batteries or the rechargeable block battery.
Fig. 8 Opening the battery compartment
Make sure that the +
symbols on the batteries
and in the compartment
match before inserting
non-rechargeable batteries.
Fig. 9 Opened battery compartment and polarity
Observe the following instructions when you use the rechargeable
block battery.
Never use force to insert the block battery.
The bottom of the block battery has a guide groove that prevents
the battery from being inserted the wrong way. Make sure when
inserting the block battery that the labeled side is on the top and
the metal terminals point to the device label.
Description 37
You will feel a slight
pressure from the terminal spring connections when inserting
the block battery.
Fig. 10 The arrows show how the block battery is correctly inserted.
4.1.4 Using the automobile power supply adapter
Use only the NAK 3000-2 automobile power supply adapter to operate VitaGuard® from a vehicle’s dashboard.
Do not leave the automobile power supply adapter overnight in the
vehicle (particularly during the cold season). Otherwise condensation may form on and in the device.
The NAK 3000-2 automobile power supply adapter is connected to
the VitaGuard® power adapter socket. NAK 3000-2 features a universal safety plug (DIN ISO 4165) for the dashboard lighter. Automobile
power supply mode is indicated on VitaGuard® by the green LED
beside the power adapter symbol.
The specifications of the automobile power supply adapter are as follows:
Input .............................................. Automobile voltage supply at 12–24 V
Output ......................................................................................................... 9 Vdc
Max current ......................................................................................... <
500 mA
Operating temperature ............................................................. +5 to +50 °C
Connection to VitaGuard® ........................................................... 3-pin plug
Connection to automobile supply .... Universal safety plug (DIN ISO 4165)
Connecting cable length .......................................................... 2 m ± 20 cm
38 Description
4.2 VitaGuard® connections
Fig. 11 Overview of VitaGuard® connections
For safety reasons, only those accessories that getemed AG has
delivered or approved must be connected to VitaGuard®.
Hold VitaGuard® firmly with one hand when connecting and disconnecting plugs.
Never use force when connecting and disconnecting cables. Always
insert and remove the plugs parallel to the sockets to prevent damage to the sensitive contacts.
Only the doctor, in full knowledge of the information under
“Connections to the USB and AUX ports” on page 81, must decide
which devices are connected to the USB and AUX ports.
4.2.1 Patient cable for electrodes
Fig. 12 Electrode socket
The patient cable for the electrodes for heart rate and apnea monitoring is connected to this socket.
Description 39
4.2.2 Power adapter
Fig. 13 Power adapter socket
The external power adapter socket is for connecting the NA 3000-2 exter-
nal power adapter or the NAK
3000-2 automobile power supply adapter.
4.2.3 Sound outlet (no socket)
Fig. 14 Sound aperture
The outlet in the figure is not a socket, but a sound hole for the
internal system monitor buzzer.
This outlet emits a pulsating sound when the external power adapter is disconnected from the monitor and no batteries are inserted.
The sound outlet is located between the cable sockets so that it
cannot be covered by objects such as cushions or curtains.
40 Description
4.2.4 USB port
Fig. 15 USB port
The USB (universal serial bus) port serves to read out stored data and
to modify the VitaGuard® settings via a PC.
4.2.5 AUX port
Fig. 16 AUX port
The AUX (auxiliary) port can take the following connections:
Two analog inputs
Modem for communicating data
Nurse call unit
External alarm unit
VitaGuard® cannot confirm whether an alarm signal has been reported by a nurse call unit. As explained in the section “Alarm test”
on page 57, check each time you switch on the device that an alarm
signal is really transferred and the alarm reported.
Description 41
Measure the time it takes for an alarm to be reported and the time
needed to reach the patient. No more than ten seconds must pass
between these times. Observe the operating instructions for the
nurse call unit.
4.3 Membrane key panel
Do not apply excess pressure to the keys.
VitaGuard® recognizes key presses only when the keys have been
pressed for about one second.
There are six membrane keys on the top side of VitaGuard®.
Fig. 17 Keys on the top side
42 Description
4.3.1 Direction keys
With the direction keys you navigate from one
window to the next.
The direction keys also allow you to navigate within
the menu structure.
4.3.2 <Enter> key
Fig. 18 Direction keys
The <Enter> key switches VitaGuard® on and off.
The <Enter> key also lets you confirm changes to
the monitor settings.
Fig. 19 <Enter> key
4.3.3 <Esc> key
When an alarm is triggered, the <Esc> key serves to deactivate the
acoustic alarm signal for a set alarm mute time. During an alarm
condition the red alarm LED and the violated alarm limit flash. The
acoustic alarm is again emitted if the alarm condition persists after the alarm mute time has expired. Pressing the
<Esc> key during the alarm mute time a second
time reactivates the acoustic alarm.
Fig. 20 <Esc> key
Also when an alarm has automatically ended (because the vital
functions have restabilized by themselves) the alarm LED and the
violated alarm limit continue to flash until you press the <Esc>
key. The alarm LED, however, flashes slower than during an alarm.
Description 43
The <Esc> key cancels unsaved changes to the monitor settings or
moves back to the next-higher menu.
4.4 Color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)
When VitaGuard® is switched on, all LEDs light up for a short time so
that you can see they work properly. During this time, the alarm LED
first lights up red and then yellow.
4.4.1 Alarm LED
In the event of a higher-priority alarm, i.e. a
physiological alarm, the alarm LED flashes red.
In the event of a medium-priority alarm, i.e. a
technical alarm, the alarm LED flashes yellow.
Fig. 21 Alarm LED
4.4.2 Heart and respiration LEDs
The LED with the heart symbol flashes with every heartbeat of the
patient. In other words, this LED flashes as fast as the
heart beats.
The LED with the lungs symbol lights up with every
detected breath of the patient when the patient does
not move and is not moved. In other words, this LED
flashes as fast as the patient breathes.
Fig. 22 Heart and respiration LEDs
These two flashing green LEDs show you even in complete darkness
that monitoring is activated.
44 Description
Also, the System menu lets you switch on and off an acoustic signal
that is emitted synchronously with the heartbeat or respiration.
4.4.3 Power supply and battery LEDs
When the LED with the
power adapter symbol
lights up, VitaGuard® is being powered from the supply network or an automo-
Mains supply active Block battery charging
bile power supply.
Fig. 23 Power supply LEDs
When the LED with the power adapter symbol does not light up,
but the usual monitor displays are visible, VitaGuard® is being
supplied by batteries (four non-rechargeable batteries or the rechargeable block battery).
The light from the LED with the battery symbol is permanently on
when the block battery is being charged in VitaGuard®. A depleted
block battery takes up to six hours to recharge.
When the block battery is fully charged the LED with the battery
symbol flashes every second to indicate that compensation charging
is active. The block battery must therefore be fully charged at all
times in the event that the power supply from the external power
adapter fails.
4.5 The display
Each of the “Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring” are explained on page 57. Pressing the Y key in View 1 takes you to the Info
screen with the current information for the doctor. Pressing it again
takes you to the System menu for the basic VitaGuard® settings.
After the monitor is switched on it can take up to twenty seconds
before the first values are displayed.
Description 45
1
2 2a
2c
2b
3
3a 3c
3b
Fig. 24 Current values and alarm limits in View 1
1 The status line at the top of the display shows messages (on the
left) and symbols (on the right) for the external power supply and
alarm activation.
2 For all vital functions, as here Heart rate [2], the current value for
each vital function [2a] is shown in large digits. Smaller digits to
the right show the set alarm limits [2b]. In the Heart rate line, the
quality of the signal amplitude [2c] is shown on the left.
3 Respiration [3] shows in addition on the left the quality of the
amplitude [3a] and the basal impedance in ohms [3b]. This term is
explained in the section “Checking the basal impedance” on page
55. A respiration bar [3c] moves up and down synchroneously with
the patient’s breathing.
46 Steps before and after monitoring
5 Steps before and after monitoring
The following summary shows you all the necessary measures that
need to be taken before monitoring. Also read information on how
VitaGuard® is switched on and off.
The doctor and the qualified medical staff are responsible for all
other important activities when “Preparing for a new patient” (see
page 79).
5.1 Summary of steps before monitoring
Insert the battery or batteries (do not switch on yet!).
Use the external power adapter to connect VitaGuard® to the
supply network (do not switch on yet!).
Connect the ECG patient cable to VitaGuard®.
Attach the ECG electrodes to the patient.
Connect the ECG electrodes to the patient cable.
Switch on VitaGuard® as explained in the next section.
Make sure that after the monitor is switched on the indicator
lamps light up briefly and a short sound is emitted by the alarm
buzzers.
Check that the alarm limits displayed are the same as those
recommended by the doctor.
Steps before and after monitoring 47
5.2 Switching on
Press the <Enter> key for several seconds to switch on VitaGuard®.
In the first minute of operation no acoustic signals are emitted so
that you have time to check all cables. The alarm bell is crossed out
for this time and the remaining time is shown next to it. Text messages, on the other hand, are shown from the beginning.
When no patient cable is connected, an acoustic reminder signal is
emitted as a short tone every twenty seconds after the monitor is
switched on. The technical alarms for cable and electrode monitoring
are not activated until the patient cable is connected and the first
plausible data have been calculated. A text message in the status line
reports from the beginning that the cables are being checked.
After the device has been switched on, the following displays and
signals show you that the monitoring system is fully operable.
All indicator LEDs light up briefly. During this time the alarm LED
first lights up red and then yellow.
A brief tone is emitted to indicate that the acoustic alarm buzzer
is fully operable.
If the alarm buzzer does not emit the acoustic signal after the device
has been switched on, you must immediately send VitaGuard® to
getemed AG or your authorized dealer for inspection. Please consult
your authorized dealer for a replacement device.
Observe the patient carefully until the replacement device arrives.
Bear in mind that the patient is not being monitored at this time
and that no alarm will be reported in an emergency.
48 Steps before and after monitoring
5.3 Switching off
Always switch off VitaGuard® in the manner described here.
1 Press the <Enter> key and keep this pressed: the message Press
Esc key appears.
2 Briefly press the <Esc> key, still keeping the <Enter> key pressed,
and then release both keys.
The switch off command is acknowledged by two short beeps.
Data must be stored before the device finally switches off. For this
reason, VitaGuard® needs about another two seconds after the keys
are released until it switches off completely.
5.4 Summary of steps after monitoring
Switch off VitaGuard® as explained in the previous section.
Carefully detach the ECG electrodes from the patient.
Disconnect the ECG electrodes from the patient cable.
If the procedure concerning stored data has not been clarified during your training, then please contact your doctor.
Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring 49
6 Preparing for heart rate and apnea
monitoring
This section is divided into the following parts.
Safety information when monitoring heart rate and apnea
Connecting electrodes, the patient cable, and VitaGuard®
Technical alarm from the electrode contact monitor
Determining the optimal electrode configuration
ECG lead, electrode color coding
Optimizing the heart and respiration signals –
signal amplitudes in View 1
Checking the basal impedance
6.1 Safety information when monitoring heart
rate and apnea
Observe the following points before monitoring with VitaGuard®.
CAUTION Interference signals can prevent a heart rate alarm from
being reported when under certain unfavorable conditions the
monitor misinterprets these interference signals as heart signals.
Interference signals can originate from the power supply or electrical apparatus in the monitor’s environment. Observe the instructions under “Electromagnetic interference” on page 24.
The doctor can deactivate the Apnea alarms as described in the
section “Settings in the Respiration menu (Settings protection
Off)” on page 103. The Apnea alarms are then no longer activated
and Off is displayed instead of the respiration rate. When a new age
50 Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring
group is selected under Admit new patient, the Apnea alarms are
reactivated together with the other factory settings.
Use only those electrodes that getemed AG or an authorized dealer
has delivered or approved. Other electrodes can, in particular when
monitoring apnea, cause malfunctions and in addition cause damage to the patient’s skin. Read and observe the operating instructions for the electrodes.
Do not continue using damaged electrodes or cables. Do not immerse
electrodes or cables in water, solvents, or liquid cleaning agents.
Store the electrodes in a cool dry place. Observe the storage instructions on the packaging.
Do not use electrodes after their expiration dates (this date is
printed on the packaging, e.g. FEB2006 or 2006-02 = February 2006).
The electrodes provided are designed for short-term applications.
Using the same electrodes several times can lead to malfunctions
when the adhesive surface fails to adhere properly.
Do not open the electrode’s packaging until shortly before the electrode is to be used. Open the packaging and remove the electrodes.
Hold the sides of the electrode and peel off the transparent film. Do
not pull on the electrode’s cable. Avoid finger contact with the electrode’s gel-coated surface as much as possible.
If you intend to reuse the same electrode a short time later, carefully
reattach them to the transparent film. This helps to prevent the
electrode from drying out or becoming soiled.
Use exclusively the ECG patient cable delivered by getemed AG.
Connect the ECG electrodes only to the ECG patient cable and this
only to the corresponding VitaGuard® socket.
CAUTION Make sure when attaching electrodes that neither the
electrodes nor their plug connectors come into contact with other
electrically conducting parts. There must also be no contact with
Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring 51
other electrically conducting parts when electrodes become detached during monitoring.
Attach the electrodes only to intact areas of skin.
Secure the electrodes and cables so that they cannot harm, strangle,
or be swallowed by the patient. Always lay the patient cable at a
safe distance from the patient’s head and neck. Lay the patient cable
when monitoring small children inside their clothing so that it exits
at the foot. On larger children and adults you can, for example, lay
the patient cable so that it exits between the trousers and pullover.
Place the gel-coated side of the electrode on the chosen site and
carefully press it several times for a good contact.
New electrodes may be reattached several times. Peel them gently
from the skin starting at the edge.
When disconnecting the electrodes from the patient cable, do not
pull on the electrode’s cable. Pull the plug only.
If necessary, secure the cable with an adhesive strip. The skin should
be dry and free of oil and grease.
Make sure when attaching and securing the patient cable that it
cannot kink. Kinking can cause damage.
Do not pull on the cable: this is unpleasant for the patient and in
addition can damage the electrodes.
52 Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring
6.2 Connecting electrodes, the patient cable, and
VitaGuard®
Insert the electrode’s plug into the ECG patient cable’s
distributor. Note the color coding of the electrodes and the
distributor’s sockets.
Fig. 25 Color-coded sockets on the ECG patient cable’s distributor
Insert the plug from the ECG patient cable into the
socket marked with the heart and lungs symbol.
Fig. 26 Electrode socket
6.3 Technical alarm from the electrode contact
monitor
The electrode contact monitor reports an alarm when:
the electrodes have become detached,
the electrodes are too dry (e.g. the expiration date has been
exceeded or the electrodes have been used several times), giving
rise to too high a value of basal impedance.
When electrodes have become detached or when the electrical
resistance between the electrode and skin is too high, the respiration and ECG signals are displayed as a zero line.
Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring 53
When new electrodes have become detached you can reattach these
by pressing them gently.
You must replace electrodes that have become detached more than
once or that exhibit too high a resistance between the electrode and
skin. Further explanations can be found in the section “Checking the
basal impedance” on page 55.
6.4 Determining the optimal electrode
configuration
The respiration and heart signals are detected using the same electrodes. The optimal electrode configuration involves finding good
signal amplitudes for both the respiration and the heart signals
simultaneously.
getemed AG recommends that the responsible doctor determine the
optimal electrode configuration. In most cases this configuration can
be retained for the whole period of monitoring.
6.4.1 ECG lead, electrode color coding
Start with the electrode configuration depicted in Fig. 27 (see next
page). First arrange
the electrodes on infants as depicted in Fig. 27 a)
(this electrode configuration has often proved successful because
the abdominal wall of infants clearly moves synchronously with
the respiration),
the electrodes on all other patients as depicted in Fig. 27 b)
54 Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring
y
y
y
black
ellow
red
red
ellow
black
a) or b)
Fig. 27 Recommended electrode configuration
If the electrode configuration depicted in Fig. 27 does not yield a good
signal quality, you can also try the
alternative electrode configuration
depicted in Fig. 28.
ellow
red
black
Fig. 28 Alternative electrode configuration for optimizing the heart and respiration signals
6.4.2 Optimizing the heart and respiration signals –
signal amplitudes in View 1
The amplitudes of the heart and
respiration signals are displayed
under the headings Heart rate
and Respiration respectively in
View 1.
Fig. 29 Electrode signal amplitude in View 1
Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring 55
CAUTION When Amplitude: poor is displayed, the values for the
monitored heart rate and apnea may be imprecise.
Amplitude ............................. Meaning
poor .......................................... the signal is not or only sporadically
detected
medium ................................... the signal is detected, but interference,
e.g. due to movement, can cause false
alarms
good ......................................... a clear signal is detected
A correct Heart rate is detected when the heart LED flashes synchronously with the patient’s heartbeat. When the signal amplitude is
good or medium, there should be no deterioration in
the detected heart rate when the patient moves
normally.
Observe the LED with the lungs symbol and the respiration bar on the VitaGuard® display. Carefully change
the positions of the red and yellow electrodes. Whenever possible, try to obtain the largest possible deflections in the
respiration bar. Also, the respiration bar must move and the LED flash
synchronously with the respiration.
6.5 Checking the basal impedance
The basal impedance is displayed in View 1, the respiration display,
and the display Info\Measurements: HR & Resp. The basal impedance
is the sum of all impedances in the measuring circuit:
skin and tissue impedance between the red and the yellow electrode
impedance of the electrode-skin interface
impedance of the electrodes themselves and the patient cable
56 Preparing for heart rate and apnea monitoring
The basal impedance slowly falls for the first few hours after the
electrodes have been attached. This is caused by a reduction in the
impedance at the electrode-skin interface.
The displayed basal impedance should be less than 1000 Ý. If not,
wait for about fifteen minutes. When the basal impedance has still
not fallen, you should use new electrodes.
When the displayed basal impedance does not lie within the specified
range or when false alarms frequently occur, the doctor or the medical caregivers should observe the instructions in the section
“Changing the ECG lead for signal optimization” on page 100.
Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring 57
7 Alarms, displays, and views during
monitoring
Immediately call the emergency services when a patient remains
unconscious after being shaken or addressed.
7.1 Alarm test
CAUTION: When beginning monitoring at a new site, make sure that
you can clearly hear the alarm signal and quickly reach the patient.
For this purpose, deliberately trigger a technical alarm.
When a patient is connected, you can deliberately trigger an alarm:
Pull the red electrode plug out of the distributor on the ECG
patient cable.
7.2 Heart rate values based on age groups
Bear in mind that the Heart and Respiration rates drop considera-
bly with increasing age. The doctor must check and, if necessary,
adapt the alarm limits for each patient’s age group.
The average heart rate of an infant is much higher than that of an
adult. Accordingly, the alarm limit e.g. for bradycardia (too low a heart
rate) must be set considerably higher for an infant than for an adult
patient. As an orientation aid, the following table lists some medically
acknowledged approximate heart rates for various age groups and
stress situations.
58 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring
Heart rate / min Age group
Sleep Rest Stress (e.g. fever)
Newborns 80–160 100–180 max 220
1 week to 3 months 80–200 100–220 max 220
3 months to 2 years 70–120 80–150 max 200
2 to 10 years 60–90 70–110 max 200
10 years and older 50–90 55–90 max 200
7.3 Alarm message priorities in the status line
Fig. 30 Status line on the VitaGuard® display
Physiological alarms have high priority. The text messages of
physiological alarms end with three exclamation marks.
Technical alarms have medium priority. The text messages of
technical alarms end with two exclamation marks.
!!!
!!
7.4 Physiological and technical alarms
VitaGuard® generates two types of alarms: physiological and technical alarms.
A physiological alarm is generated when VitaGuard® detects
values that violate one or more of the set alarm limits for longer
than the set period.
There are simple alarm limits, e.g. the Lower limit for the Heart rate,
and there are alarm limits based on the interaction of several monitor
settings, e.g. the deviation alarms.
A technical alarm is generated when monitoring is no longer
reliable, e.g. when electrodes have become loose.
Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring 59
The reasons for incorrect values can be detached electrodes or other
technical defects. When a technical alarm condition occurs, a lifethreatening situation may escape detection.
When, for example, a technical alarm has occurred, yet at the same
time a physiological alarm condition has been detected, the physiological alarm condition has priority and the physiological alarm is
reported.
NOTE An alarm mute time of ten seconds follows a technical alarm
triggered by problems with the ECG electrodes. This delay is to
prevent false alarms when the physiological parameters are being
recalculated. During the alarm mute time, the bell symbol in the
status line is crossed out.
7.5 Differentiating physiological and technical
alarm signals
The Alarm tone pitch can be set in the System menu so that alarms
are heard over the prevailing background noise.
The urgency or priority of an acoustic alarm can be recognized by its
characteristics described in the following.
High-priority messages emit two sequences of five tones that are
repeated every ten seconds.
The interval between each tone packet is two seconds. Also, there is a
slightly longer interval
between the third and
fourth tone of each
sequence.
Fig. 31 Characteristics of the high-priority acoustic alarm signal
Medium-priority messages emit a sequence of three tones which is
repeated every 5.2 seconds.
60 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring
7.6 Acoustic information signals
If wished, the alarm unit next to the display can produce a short
acoustic signal to accompany each heartbeat or each breath.
7.6.1 Information signals from the alarm unit next to
the display
After the monitor is switched on, an acoustic reminder signal is
emitted every twenty seconds until all electrodes are connected and
plausible data have been detected.
7.6.2 Information signals from the sound aperture
between the sockets
A pulsating tone is emitted if the external power adapter is disconnected and no batteries are installed.
7.7 The visual alarm signals
A high-priority alarm, i. e. physiological alarm,
causes the alarm LED to flash red.
A medium-priority alarm, i. e. technical alarm,
causes the alarm LED to flash yellow.
7.8 Status line displays
During monitoring the status line is displayed in all views.
Fig. 32 The status line displayed in all views
Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring 61
The monitor’s text messages appearing on the left are explained in
detail in the section “Alarm messages – meanings and other information” on page 63. On the right of the status line are three symbols.
Power supply
The power supply symbol indicates whether the NA3000-2
external power adapter or the automobile power supply
adapter is connected. When a power adapter is connected,
the symbol appears as illustrated on the right. Otherwise the
symbol is crossed out.
Battery voltage indicator
The battery voltage indicator depicts the voltage from the
batteries. When the block battery is being recharged this
symbol is animated, i. e. a filling animation is displayed.
Alarm indicator
When you interrupt an acoustic alarm by pressing the
<Esc> key, the bell symbol is crossed out. To the left of
the bell, the remaining alarm mute time is displayed in seconds. This
mute time applies only to the current alarm type.
When a new alarm condition is detected, the acoustic alarm is emitted before the alarm mute time has expired.
Pressing the <Esc> key a second time immediately ends the Alarm
mute time.
The alarm bell outline indicates that all acoustic alarm signals
are enabled.
In the event of an alarm, the alarm bell is filled out and flashes.
62 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring
7.9 Heart rate and apnea monitoring
After the monitor is switched on, it may take up to twenty seconds
before the first values are displayed.
7.9.1 Heart rate alarms
The currently set alarm limits are always displayed.
When the displayed Heart rate
falls below the Lower limit for longer than the set Bradycardia
delay or
exceeds the Upper limit for longer than the set Tachycardia
delay
or when the ECG signal is not detected for longer than the set
Asystole delay
VitaGuard® emits an acoustic alarm signal and displays the corresponding message. The violated alarm limit and the alarm LED flash.
Go immediately to the patient when an alarm is reported and check
the patient’s condition.
The alarm is ended automatically when the heart rate returns within
the permitted limits.
Deviation alarms can also be activated in addition to the alarms
based on permanently set limits.
7.9.2 Apnea alarms
An alarm is reported when apnea, i.e. respiratory arrest, is detected
for longer than the set Apnea delay. An alarm message then appears
on the display, the alarm LED flashes, and an acoustic warning is
emitted.
Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring 63
Go immediately to the patient when an alarm occurs and check the
patient’s condition. When the patient resumes breathing, the alarm is
switched off automatically. Both the delay time and the alarm LED
continue to flash to show that apnea has occurred for longer than the
set Apnea delay. Pressing the <Esc> key stops the flashing.
7.9.3 Technical heart rate and apnea alarms
The section “Table of technical alarm messages” on page 65 can be
consulted for the technical alarm signals and the recommended
troubleshooting procedure. The heart rate and apnea monitors
display technical alarms with the corresponding messages. Until the
problem has been eliminated, the heart and respiration rates are
replaced by a question mark symbol.
7.10 Alarm messages – meanings and other
information
The tables in this section list in alphabetical order all the text messages that can appear on the VitaGuard® display together with more
detailed explanations and troubleshooting hints.
7.10.1 Order of equal-priority alarm conditions
The numbers in the No. column on the right indicate the internal
priorities that VitaGuard® uses to process the respective messages.
This is of importance to the doctor only.
7.10.2 Table of physiological alarm messages
Physiological alarms are reported with high priority.
64 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring
Message Meaning Information No.
Apnea
detected!!!
ECG
amplitude
low!!!
A respiration signal has
not been detected for
longer than the set
Apnea delay.
The monitor could not
detect the ECG signal for
longer than the set
Asystole delay.
When there is no apnea:
- The electrodes are badly placed, i.e. the
signal is too small to be detected.
- Cardiogenic artifacts are superim-
posed on the respiration signal so that
it is rejected.
- The monitor, cable, or electrode is
defect.
- The set Apnea delay is too short.
When there is no asystole (cardiac arrest
or delay):
- The electrodes are badly placed.
- The ECG signal is too small to be
detected.
- The monitor, cable, or electrode is
10
5
Heart rate
and
apnea!!!
Heart rate
too high!!!
A heart rate alarm and an
apnea alarm have
occurred simultaneously.
The calculated heart rate
exceeds the set Upper
limit for longer than the
set Tachycardia delay.
defect.
See the messages and information for
“Heart rate too high/ too low” and
"Apnea detected”.
When there is no tachycardia:
- T wave peaks are interpreted as R
waves so that the calculated heart rate
is too high.
- The electrodes are badly placed.
- Artifacts caused by excessive move-
ment trigger false alarms.
- 50 Hz or other sources of electromag-
netic interference trigger false alarms:
suspected interference sources must
be removed
3
7
- The electrode has become detached.
- The monitor, cable, or electrode is defect.
- The set Upper limit is too low.
Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring 65
Message Meaning Information No.
Heart rate
too low!!!
Heart rate
drop
detected!!!
(when
activated)
The calculated heart rate
falls below the set Lower
limit for longer than the
set Bradycardia delay.
The current heart rate
falls below the value
based on the set Averag-
ing interval by more
than the percentage
deviation value set under
When there is no bradycardia:
- Heartbeats are not detected.
- The electrodes are badly positioned.
- Abnormal beats, e.g. extrasystoles, are
not detected.
- The electrode has become detached.
- The monitor, cable, or electrode is
defect.
- The set Lower limit is too high.
When there is no heart rate drop:
- The heart rate and/ or the average
heart rate is incorrectly calculated for
the reasons given under “Heart rate
too low”
6
11
Trend deviation (–).
Heart rate
rise
detected!!!
(when
activated)
A heart rate rise is
detected in the same
manner as a heart rate
drop, but Trend devia-
tion (+) is used instead.
When there is no heart rate rise:
- The heart rate and/ or its average is
incorrectly calculated for the reasons
given under “Heart rate too high”.
12
7.10.3 Table of technical alarm messages
Message Meaning Cause or elimination No.
Check ECG
cable!!
Check
electrodes!!
The monitor discovers
that the ECG cable is not
connected.
The monitor discovers that
one or more electrodes
- Check the ECG cable. 22
- Check the electrodes: If this message
persists, use new electrodes or replace
23
are not connected.
Check
power
adapter!!
The measured voltage
from the power adapter
is less than 8 V or greater
than 10 V.
the ECG cable.
- Check that the stipulated power
adapter is being used.
- Check and, if necessary, replace the
NA3000-2 power adapter.
16
66 Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring
Message Meaning Cause or elimination No.
Conflicting
HR limits!!
Corrupted
ECG signal!!
Hardware
fault!!
Internal
data error!!
The heart rate’s Lower
limit has been set higher
than the Upper limit.
The ECG signal is
corrupted too strongly by
50 Hz interference
signals from the supply
network.
The monitor has detected
an internal fault.
The internal software
monitor has detected a
data transfer error.
- Correct the heart rate limits. 19
- Attach the electrodes as symmetrically
as possible.
24
- Replace the electrodes.
- Select the ”I YE-RD, 3” lead.
- Proceed in accordance with the section
“Electromagnetic interference” on page 24.
- Switch off the monitor, wait for thirty
seconds, and switch it back on: if this
message persists, the monitor is defect.
- Switch off the monitor, wait for thirty
seconds, and switch it back on: if this
message persists, the monitor is defect.
14
18
No cables
connected!!
No power
adapter !!
Recharge
battery!!
Replace
batteries!!
The monitor discovers
that the patient cable is
not connected.
The power adapter has
been disconnected.
The battery voltage is too
low: the monitor can no
longer operate reliably
The battery voltage is too
low: the monitor can no
longer operate reliably.
- Connect the patient cable. 21
- Reconnect the external power adapter
or press the <Esc> key.
- Operate the monitor with the external
power adapter to recharge the block
battery, or insert non-rechargeable
batteries.
- Insert new batteries or a new block
battery or operate the monitor with
the external power adapter.
17
32
33
Alarms, displays, and views during monitoring 67
7.11 Table of information messages
Message Cause Meaning No.
Calculating
heart rate
Internal battery
too low
Status: ok No messages 40
The current heart rate
cannot be displayed
while it is being
calculated.
The internal battery for
alarms during a power
failure is depleted.
The current heart rate is displayed
after it has been calculated.
- The monitor is defect i. e. the
internal battery needs to be replaced
by a technician.
37
39
68 Alarm and monitor settings
8 Alarm and monitor settings
The functions described in this section can be accessed only when
the doctor has set Settings protection to Limited in the System
menu. This setting requires a code.
The function Admit new patient in the System menu overwrites all
earlier settings.
The set alarm limits and other monitor parameters are stored and
retained when the monitor is switched back on after a battery
change.
8.1 Safety instructions for the alarm settings
It is important that the doctor responsible sets new alarm limits and
monitor parameters for each patient and for each new medical
situation. Never change alarm limits without consulting the treating
doctor.
Never set the alarm limits to extreme values that render the monitoring system useless.
When you have been given a code for changing alarm limits, it is
important that you treat this code as confidential. Life is in danger
when alarm limits are not adapted specifically to each and every
patient.
Alarm and monitor settings 69
8.2 Summary of views and menus
The views presented here are intended to provide extensive information on the monitoring situation. When Settings protection is set to
Limited, they can be accessed with the direction keys Y and Z.
The keys U and V let you access more detailed information and enter
menus for changing monitor settings.
The U or V key takes you from the System view to the System
menu. The first setting is highlighted.
The U or V key leafs through pages on the Info display.
The U or V key takes you from View 1, 2, or 3 to the menu
“Manual data storage or Transmit data”. This is explained in
the corresponding section on page 94.
The SpO
menu for adjusting the respective settings and can be accessed
with the U or V key. The first setting is highlighted.
, Heart rate, and Respiration displays each feature a
2
The U or V key takes you from the Events or Trends views to
detailed views, Waveforms, and Trends.
8.3 Additional views
When the doctor has configured VitaGuard® so that also the caregivers can change settings, i.e. Settings protection is set to Limited,
Views 2 and 3 are also activated in addition to View 1. View 1 is
explained in the section “The display” on page 44.
70 Alarm and monitor settings
8.3.1 View 2 – Large data presentation and waveforms
View 2 displays in large digits the
current values for the monitored
vital functions and, on the right
in smaller digits, the set alarm
limits.
Also, each section on the left
presents a waveform of the
monitored vital function.
Fig. 33 View 2
8.3.2 View 3 – Smaller data presentation and waveforms
The top half of View 3 displays
the current measured values and
the alarm limits.
The bottom half of View 3
displays the waveforms over a
longer interval than View 2.
Fig. 34 View 3
8.4 Changing the settings
Use the direction keys to highlight a menu option or an entry in this
option. Once you have highlighted the option you want, press the
<Enter> key to change it. When you do not want to keep your
changes, press the <Esc> key.
Alarm and monitor settings 71
The U key takes you to the
menus. The first entry in the list
is highlighted. Use the V key to
highlight the setting LCD bright-
ness (“Changing multiple-component settings” is explained on
page 87 for the doctor and qualified medical staff).
Fig. 35 Menu system, “LCD brightness: 80%” highlighted
Press the <Enter> key. A window
appears where you can change
the old value.
Use the U and V keys to change
the highlighted value.
Fig. 36 System, “LCD brightness” highlighted in the change window
Pressing the <Enter> key after
changing a value causes a
prompt to appear with Accept:
No highlighted. Press the Y key
to highlight Accept: Yes.
Fig. 37 System, accept change to LCD brightness highlighted
Confirming the prompt Accept: Yes with the <Enter> key displays the
changed value in the list. To exit the menu press the <Esc> key.
72 Alarm and monitor settings
8.5 System menu – general settings
NOTE You can familiarize yourself with the menus without
changing values. Simply press
the <Esc> key to exit each menu
and submenu without saving
changes.
Fig. 38 System menu – general settings
8.5.1 System\ Screen saver (Off/ On)
When Screen saver is set to On, an animation appears on the display
when no key has been pressed for five minutes.
When you press a key or an alarm is triggered, the previous mask is
displayed again.
8.5.2 System\ LCD brightness
You can set the LCD brightness from 0% to 100% in steps of 5%.
When 0%, the display’s backlight illumination is switched off. The
factory setting is 95%.
8.5.3 System\ LCD contrast
You can set the display’s contrast from 0% to 100% in steps of 5%.
The factory setting is 70%.
Alarm and monitor settings 73
8.5.4 System\ Signal beep tone
You can configure the monitor to emit a brief signal tone with every
detected respiration (Respiration) or with every detected heartbeat
(Heart/ pulse beat).
When this tone disturbs the patient
or caregivers, choose the setting Off.
The factory setting is Off.
Fig. 39 System\ submenu “Signal beep tone”
8.5.5 System\ Alarm tone pitch
You can set the pitch of the acoustic alarm signals to Low, Medium,
or High so that they can be heard over the expected background
noise. The DIN settings (DIN) match the alarm tone characteristics as
described from page 59 on in the section “Differentiating physiological and technical alarm signals”. As
an alternative, you can set the alarm
tone characteristic (gtm) as familiar
from other getemed devices.
The factory setting is Medium.
Fig. 40 System\ submenu “Alarm tone pitch”
8.5.6 System\ RS232 format
This submenu lets you assign the
format for online data output from
the AUX serial port.
Fig. 41 System\ RS232 format
74 Alarm and monitor settings
8.5.7 System\ Settings protection On, Limited, Off
The codes that protect the alarm defaults from unauthorized
changes must be given by the doctor to those persons only whom
the doctor judges to be adequately informed about monitoring and
their responsibility for the patient. The doctor should point out that
the code must be treated as confidential, that settings should be
changed at the doctor’s request only, and that all changes must be
confirmed by the doctor.
VitaGuard® provides the following three settings for Settings protection.
Settings protection ON deactivates all options to change moni-
tor settings. The display presents only View 1, the Info display,
and the System menu.
Settings protection Limited enables access to all views and
menus. Of all the monitor settings, however, only the alarm limits
can be changed.
Settings protection Off enables all views and menus and allows
changes to all monitor settings.
The factory setting is Settings protection Limited.
After highlighting the function Settings protection, press the <En-
ter> key to open a submenu.
This submenu always displays Settings protection as “00” irre-
spectively of the current setting. Pressing the <Enter> key activates Settings protection.
When you enter a code Settings protection appears as Limited.
When you enter a different code, Settings protection appears as
Off.
When the wrong code has been entered three times Settings protection cannot be so easily deactivated. In this case, consult your
authorized dealer.
Alarm and monitor settings 75
8.6 Heart rate display and menu
The Z key takes you from View 1, 2, or 3 to the heart rate display.
From here you can open the menu with the U or V key. When a row
is highlighted, press <Enter> to change the corresponding value.
8.6.1 Heart rate display
The top half of the display
presents:
1
2
1 the status line
2 the current values with
3
the set alarm limits
3 the current three-minute
trends that update the last
value every two seconds
Fig. 42 Heart rate display
The heart rate trend display presents the heart rate over the last three
minutes. This display varies with the set age group:
0 to 2 years 2 to 6 years > 6 years
Heart rate trend display
between
between
between
[per min]
230 and 50
180 and 50
150 and 45
The bottom half of the display presents the ECG. A small vertical bar
above the ECG indicates every detected heartbeat. Under the ECG you
can see the evaluated amplitude of the ECG signal known from View 1.
8.6.2 Heart rate menu – alarm settings (Settings
protection Limited)
The Heart rate menu lets you view and, if necessary, change the
current heart rate settings. You may have to adapt the default age
76 Alarm and monitor settings
group alarm limits to the current patient. These settings can be
changed only when Settings protection has been set to Limited in
the System menu.
Different heart rate alarm limits can be set as the default values for
each age group:
Default 0 to 2 years 2 to 6 years > 6 years
Lower heart rate limit [/min] 80 60 55
Upper heart rate limit [/min] 220 150 140
In the event of persistent false alarms, a different lead can be set in the
Heart rate menu as explained in the section “Changing the ECG lead for
signal optimization” on page 100.
The heart rate’s Lower limit can
be set from 30 to 180 beats and
the heart rate’s Upper limit from
100 to 255, each in steps of five
beats per minute.
Factory settings are shown in
bold type.
Fig. 43 Heart rate menu for viewing and setting alarm limits
Lower limit (heart rate) ...... 30, 35 ... 80 ... 175, 180/min
Lower limit for the heart rate; an alarm
is reported when the heart rate falls below this limit for longer than the set
Bradycardia delay
Upper limit (heart rate) ....... 100, 105 ... 220 ... 250, 255/min
Upper limit for the heart rate; an alarm
is triggered when the heart rate exceeds
this limit for longer than the set Tachy-
cardia delay
Alarm and monitor settings 77
8.7 Respiration display and menu
The Z key takes you from View 1, 2, or 3 to the Respiration display.
From here you can open the menu with the U or V key. Having
highlighted a row, press <Enter> to change the corresponding value.
8.7.1 Respiration display
The top half of the display presents:
1 the status line
2 the current values with
the set alarm limits
3 the current three-minute
trends that update the
last value every two seconds
Fig. 44 Respiration display, respiration graph
The Respiration trend display presents the respiration rate over the
last three minutes. This display varies with the set age group:
0 to 2 years 2 to 6 years > 6 years
Respiration rate trend
between 0 and 60 between 0 and 60 between 0 and 30
1
2
3
display [per min]
The bottom half of the Respiration display presents the respiration wave-
form. A small vertical bar above the respiration waveform indicates
every detected respiration signal. Under the respiration curve you can
see the respiration signal’s Basal impedance in ohms, as in View 1.
The displayed respiration rate is not used in the alarm assessment and
is calculated and displayed only when the respiration signal exhibits
an adequate amplitude and is relatively free of movement artefacts.
Otherwise a question mark is displayed. This has no negative effects
on either the alarm function or the detection of central apneas.
78 Alarm and monitor settings
8.7.2 Respiration menu – alarm settings (Settings
protection Limited)
These settings can be changed
only when Settings protection
is set to Limited in the System
menu.
Factory settings are shown in
bold type.
Fig. 45 Respiration menu for viewing and setting alarm limits
Apnea delay ............................ 8, 10 ... 20 ... 32, 34 seconds
VitaGuard® interprets apnea and triggers an alarm when a respiration signal
or movement is not detected and Apnea
delay is exceeded. The doctor must
have set Apnea alarms to Always.
Apnea alarms ........................ Off/Always
CAUTION A deactivated apnea monitor can no longer detect apnea!
Off and Always switches off and on
the apnea monitor. In both cases the
respiration waveform is displayed and
stored.
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 79
9 Information for the doctor and
qualified medical staff
The treating doctor is responsible for monitoring with VitaGuard®.
This also applies to ambulatory monitoring.
This section contains all safety and settings information that only
the treating doctor can make decisions on. Remember that all the
information and instructions in the sections “Intended use” on page
14 and “Safety” on page 20 must also be observed.
Only getemed AG personnel or authorized dealers certified by
getemed AG as medical product advisers in accordance with § 31
MPG (German Medical Products Act) may instruct the doctor and the
qualified medical staff on how to handle and use VitaGuard®. This
certification is awarded only to those persons that have received
adequate training from getemed AG for its products.
9.1 Safety instructions
The safety instructions in this section address special technical and
medical issues that are of particular importance to the doctor and
qualified medical staff.
9.1.1 Preparing for a new patient
When more than one VitaGuard® monitor with differing settings are
used in the same environment, there is a risk of mixing monitors
and a particular patient may be monitored with unsuitable settings.
For this reason check the currently set alarm limits every time the
monitor is switched on.
80 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
It is important that VitaGuard® is configured so that false alarms are
avoided to the greatest possible extent. Frequent false alarms can
prove detrimental to the alertness of caregivers.
When VitaGuard® is to be used for a new patient, the doctor or the
qualified medical staff are obliged to take the following important
precautionary measures.
Place used consumables such as electrodes in a plastic bag before
disposing of them in household or medical waste.
Clean the device and disinfect all cables (e.g. as described in the
guidelines from the Robert Koch Institute).
Insert new batteries or a fully charged block battery.
Select the age group in System\ Admit new patient as explained
under “System\ Admit new patient – restoring factory settings”
on page 88.
Check that the monitor settings are suitable for the patient and, if
necessary, adapt them.
Consider that the monitor settings may need to be changed at a
future date and, as appropriate, arrange appointments to change
these settings.
Check that the acoustic alarm signal is loud enough to be heard
over the prevailing or expected noise levels in the monitor’s environment.
When necessary, set Settings protection to Limited.
When necessary, train caregivers in the necessary resuscitation
measures.
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 81
9.1.2 Connections to the USB and AUX ports
The USB port is designed to transfer data to a PC. The AUX port can
interface with a modem for remote data transfer.
Observe the standard DIN EN 60601-1-1 for connections to systems
consisting of multiple medical devices and to systems consisting of
medical and non-medical devices.
A device must comply with the regulations under DIN EN 60601-1
for medical devices or under DIN EN 60950 for communication technology devices before it is connected to the USB or AUX ports. In
addition, the leakage current from the VitaGuard® must be measured as stipulated in the standard DIN EN 60601-1-1. This leakage
current must not exceed 100 µA. Only qualified medical device
technicians can check whether the leakage current conforms to the
standards.
When several devices are connected to each other, the individual
leakage currents can add up and may pose a risk to the patient.
Do not connect printers, cameras, scanners, or other devices.
9.1.3 VitaGuard® and other medical devices
When VitaGuard® is to operate at the same time as a defibrillator,
the monitoring results may be invalid for a short time. In addition,
defibrillation can damage the cables. Check the monitoring system
after defibrillation.
Bear in mind that an external defibrillation pulse can be attenuated.
A test in accordance with DIN EN 60601-2-49 showed that defibrillation pulses emitted during monitoring are attenuated by less than 10 %.
Do not use VitaGuard® in conjunction with HF surgical equipment,
TENS devices, or nerve stimulators.
VitaGuard® correctly interprets pacer pulses with amplitudes greater
than 5 mV, so VitaGuard® can be used on patients with pace makers.
82 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
Warn your pacemaker patients that the displayed heart rate may
possibly be affected by stimulating pulses. Point out to the caregivers that they must carefully observe pacemaker patients.
Do not operate VitaGuard® near MRI devices (magnetic resonance
imaging) or other systems that generate strong electromagnetic
fields. The electrode leads, for example, can heat up by induction,
causing burns under the electrodes and fire in the cables. The strong
magnetic fields generated by magnetic resonance image devices can
cause permanent damage to VitaGuard®.
9.2 Info display
The Info display quickly presents the doctor with a summary of the
monitor settings and data. Other Info windows can be accessed with
the direction keys U and V.
The current page number and the total number of pages are displayed in the top right. For example, “1/10” means “the first of ten
pages”.
9.2.1 Info\ Last status messages
The last status messages provide
information on the directly
preceding monitoring period.
Here you can see when and why
a message appeared.
Fig. 46 Info\ Last status messages
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 83
9.2.2 Info\ General
Internal battery
This displays the state of the
Internal battery permanently
installed in VitaGuard®.
Fig. 47 Info\ General
Patient name/ Patient ID
The patient’s name and ID are displayed when VitaWin® has transferred these from a PC to VitaGuard® or when they have been keyed
in as explained in the section “System\ Admit new patient – restoring
factory settings” on page 88.
Age
This displays the age group that has been set as explained in the section
“System\ Admit new patient – restoring factory settings” on page 88.
Pacer detection
When the patient has a pacemaker, set Pacer detection in the Heart
rate menu to On: this prevents the monitor from processing stimu-
lating pacemaker pulses as R waves.
Auto-ID
This displays the ID number that is automatically assigned every time
the Admit new patient function is executed.
Date, time
This displays the date and time of the internal clock which can be set
in the System menu.
84 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
9.2.3 Info\ Measurements: HR & Resp.
Info\ Measurements: HR & resp.
displays the various average
heart rate values calculated since
the monitor was switched on.
These values are lost when the
monitor is switched off.
Fig. 48 Info\ Measurements: HR & Resp.
HR: Average is calculated over of the Averaging interval set in the
Heart rate menu.
HR: Current deviation shows how much the current heart rate
deviates from the Average in percent.
This deviation is used for triggering deviation alarms when Heart
rate alarms has been set to Limits & trends in the Heart rate menu.
This setting is restored as the factory setting when the Admit new
patient function is executed in the System menu.
Periodic respiration displays the time in percent that Periodic
respiration has been detected since the monitor was switched on.
This value is displayed only when the function Periodic respiration is
set to On in the Respiration menu and when Age group is set to 0 to
2 years under System\ Admit new Patient.
Basal impedance displays the value measured between the yellow and
the red electrode (see “Checking the basal impedance” on page 55).
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 85
9.2.4 Info\ Settings: Heart rate
This window presents all the settings for heart rate monitoring that
are not shown in Views 1 to 3.
Fig. 49 Info\ Settings: Heart rate
9.2.5 Info\ Settings: Apnea monitor
This window presents all the settings for apnea monitoring that
are not shown in Views 1 to 3.
Fig. 50 Info\ Settings: Apnea monitor
86 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
9.2.6 Info\ Memory/ Internet
This displays the current Memory used and the total Memory size.
Also displayed is Telephone, i.e. the modem number that the monitor
automatically dials for remote
data transfer. This telephone
number must be loaded by the
evaluation software VitaWin®
and cannot be edited directly in
the monitor.
Here you can also view the
details for transferring data as an
e-mail attachment.
9.2.7 Info\ Versions
Info\ Versions displays the
software and hardware version
numbers followed by the monitor’s serial number (SN).
Fig. 51 Info\ Memory
Fig. 52 Info\ Versions
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 87
9.3 Settings in the System menu (Settings
protection Off)
When Settings protection is
switched off in the System menu,
the doctor can configure VitaGuard® for specific monitoring
requirements.
Use the direction keys to highlight an entry. When you want to
change the entry, press the
<Enter> key. Pressing the <Esc>
key discards any changes without saving.
Fig. 53 Separately protected settings in the System menu
9.3.1 Changing multiple-component settings
The following example for changing the date and time in the System
menu is intended to explain how you can change system settings
consisting of several components.
Use the V key to highlight the entry Date/time.
Press <Enter>. A window appears
for changing the old entry.
Use the keys Y and Z to high-
light the component you want to
change.
The highlighted value is changed
with the keys U and V.
Fig. 54 System\ Date/ time
88 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
After changing a value, pressing the <Enter> key a second time causes
a prompt to appear with Accept: No highlighted. Press the Y key to
highlight Accept: Yes. Confirming the prompt Accept: Yes with the
<Enter> key displays the changed value in the list. To exit the menu
press the <Esc> key.
9.3.2 System\ Operating area: Home or Clinic
Operating area lets you decide whether the value you have entered
for Settings protection is retained the next time VitaGuard® is
switched on.
When you select Home, Settings protection is On when the device is
next switched on.
When you select Clinic, Settings
protection is set to the selected
value when the device is next
switched on.
Fig. 55 Operating area: Home or Clinic
9.3.3 System\ Admit new patient – restoring factory
settings
IMPORTANT: This deletes all stored data and all monitor settings for
a specific patient.
Check that the new monitor settings are suitable for the patient.
All data are deleted and all user settings are restored to the factory
values, so you are prompted
whether you want to Continue.
Press the Y key to highlight Accept:
Yes and then the <Enter> key.
Fig. 56 Warning before changes under System\ Admit new patient
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 89
The submenus for ID, First name, and Surname are displayed one
after the other.
Use the Y and Z keys to position
the cursor.
Use the U and V keys to enter
letters and numbers.
Press the <Enter> key after you
have entered your data in each
submenu.
These inputs are optional and can be
skipped by pressing the <Enter> key.
Pressing the <Enter> key to confirm
your entry in the Surname menu
opens the submenu for setting the
age group. Here too, press the
<Enter> key to confirm your age
group settings.
Use the Y key to highlight Accept:
Yes and then press the <Enter> key,
your settings for the new patient
are stored.
Fig. 57 System\ ID, First name, and Surname
Fig. 58 System\ Age group
Fig. 59 Confirming the age group setting
The Admit new patient function restores the factory settings.
VitaGuard® is delivered with alarm limits for patients in the 0 to 2
years age group.
The following settings vary with the age group:
the minimum Respiration rate in the Respiration menu
the Lower limit and the Upper limit in the Heart rate menu
90 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
The table lists the factory settings for each age group:
0 to 2 years 2 to 6 years > 6 years
Min. respiration rate [/min] 10 5 4
Lower heart rate limit [/min] 80 60 55
Upper heart rate limit [/min] 220 150 120
All other settings are not specific to age groups.
The values set last are retained when VitaGuard® is switched off and
when the supply network or batteries fail to provide power.
9.3.4 System\ Pre- and Post-alarm time
In the event of an alarm, data for the pre-alarm and post-alarm times
set here are stored in addition to the duration of the alarm. These
times can be set from 30 to 180 seconds in steps of ten seconds.
Also the menu item “System\ Interval recording” explained on page 91
records data for the duration of the pre-alarm and post-alarm times.
9.3.5 System\ Alarm mute time
In order to allow caregivers to tend to a patient in peace during an
alarm, the acoustic alarm signal can be temporarily deactivated with
the <Esc> key. Set the Alarm mute time to 30, 60, 90, or 120 seconds
as required. The acoustic alarm signal is automatically reactivated
after this time.
9.3.6 System\ Date/ time
How to change these values is explained in the section “Changing
multiple-component settings” on page 87. This is used to set the
current date and the current time, e.g. for summer and winter times.
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 91
9.3.7 System\ Language
The menu option Language is marked with a flag symbol
in the event that you do not understand the set language.
The submenu Language lets you choose between the languages
supported by your monitor version.
9.3.8 System\ Analog input 1 + 2
You can activate and deactivate the two analog inputs separately.
Both analog inputs have an input range from 0 to 2.5 V. An analog
signal at input 1 (when activated) is scanned with 1 Hz and stored, a
signal at input 2 is scanned with 32 Hz and stored.
9.3.9 System\ Interval recording
The doctor can use Interval recording for specific situations and can
set an interval in steps of ten minutes after which monitored data are
again stored. After each of these intervals, the monitor stores data for
the Pre-alarm and Post-alarm times. The setting 0 min deactivates
interval recording.
9.4 Data storage functions
The function Admit new Patient in the System menu overwrites all
the currently stored data and restores the factory settings. If necessary, transfer the data beforehand to a PC.
The memory contents of VitaGuard® are also retained when the
power adapter or batteries fail.
VitaGuard® features the following data storage functions:
Event storage (automatic storage of Alarms and Silent Alarms or
Manual storage)
92 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
Trend storage (automatically for max 72 hours)
Interval storage (set in the System menu)
Long term storage (automatically for max eight hours)
Protocol storage (automatic)
The VitaGuard® display lets you view stored Events and stored
Trends. Long term and Protocol storage can be evaluated on a PC
only. The “Summary of stored signals and data” on page 97 presents
the signals and sample rates for the respective memory. The currently
utilized memory capacity is shown on the Info display. The installed
memory can store up to 200 events of two minutes each.
9.5 Event storage
Please bear in mind that you must wait for the Post-alarm time to
expire after an alarm has ended before the current alarm event can
be completely stored.
The time of occurrence and the
length of the stored data are
stored for every alarm event. The
section “Summary of stored
Events” on page 95 explains the
symbols in the columns for each
physiological parameter
[© ª (©) (ª) X P].
Fig. 60 List of the stored events
M/I marks the episodes that have been stored via Manual storage or
Interval recording set in the System menu. The minimum and
maximum values of the respective physiological parameters are seen
at the bottom of the window.
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 93
Highlighting an alarm event with
the direction keys U and V and
pressing the <Enter> key opens a
mask with initial detailed information on this event. Highlighting Waveforms and pressing the
<Enter> key displays the waveforms recorded with this event.
Fig. 61 Detailed information on a highlighted event
The black symbol between the
displayed times for the start and
end of the event marks the
section of the stored event
currently displayed. The two
small vertical bars mark the start
and end of the alarm event itself.
Highlighting Trends and pressing the <Enter> key displays the
Trends recorded with this alarm.
Fig. 62 Stored waveforms
Fig. 63 Stored trends
94 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
9.5.1 Silent alarm limits
The monitor also lets you store signal sequences that are important
for evaluating the selected alarm limits. To store these so-called
“silent alarms”, activate Silent Alarm limits in the corresponding
monitoring menu.
When measurements violate the Silent alarm limits, the current
episode is stored without triggering an acoustic or visual alarm. For
example, when the Silent lower limit is set higher than the Lower
limit in the Heart rate menu, silent bradycardia alarms are stored.
9.5.2 Manual data storage or Transmit data
The U or V key takes you from
View 1, 2, or 3 to the Manual
data storage or Transmit data
menu. In addition to the automatic storage of alarm events,
you can also store current data
manually. Manual data storage
stores data for the set Pre- and
Post-alarm times just like in an
alarm situation.
The AUX socket is used to transmit data via a modem. The
setting Since last transmission
transfers only those new epi-
Fig. 64 View\ Manual data storage
sodes stored since the last transfer, but no more than twenty.
The setting Last 20 episodes
always transfers the last twenty
episodes.
Fig. 65 View\ Transmit data
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 95
9.5.3 Summary of stored Events
The symbols next to the name of each event appear on the Events
display in the columns for each physiological parameter following the
time and duration of the event.
QRS ª ................................. ORS signal amplitude lower than the
internal trigger threshold – an QRS
alarm is reported
when the ECG signal has not been
detected, e.g. owing to badly positioned electrodes.
Bradycardia ª .................. heart rate lower than the set Lower limit
Silent bradycardia (ª) ... heart rate lower than the set silent
Lower limit
Tachycardia © .................. heart rate higher than the set Upper limit
Silent tachycardia (©) ... heart rate higher than the set silent
Upper limit
Heart rate drop ª ........... when activated
Heart rate rise © ............. when activated
Manual M ......................... manual storage (see “Manual data
storage or Transmit data” on page 94)
Interval I ............................. interval storage (see “System\ Interval
recording” on page 91)
Apnea X ............................. one or more successive apneas
Silent apnea (X) .............. one or more short silent apnea phases,
shorter than the set Apnea delay, but
longer than the Silent apnea delay
Periodic respiration P ..... periodic respiration (see section 9.12)
96 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
9.6 Trend storage
When an episode is highlighted,
pressing <Enter> once displays
the details, and pressing it a
second time the trends.
Fig. 66 List of the episodes stored in the trend memory
Over a max period of 72 hours
the Trend memory stores all of
the signals checked in the Trend
column of the table on page 97.
Fig. 67 Detailed information on a highlighted trend episode
9.7 Long term storage over eight hours
Independent of alarm events, all signals are stored continuously for a
maximum total time of eight hours for subsequent evaluation on a
PC (full disclosure). After this period, the oldest data are overwritten.
9.8 Protocol storage of operating and device data
The protocol memory registers e.g. when monitor settings are
changed and when the device has been switched on and off. The
following changes are stored in protocol memory:
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 97
monitor ON/OFF
apnea monitor ON/OFF
admission of a new patient
changes to Settings protection
The following data are stored with every change:
date and time of the change
the current monitor settings
Protocol memory deletes the oldest data when more than 256 entries are stored.
9.9 Summary of stored signals and data
Data type Sample rate [Hz] Alarms Long term Trend
ECG waveform 256 D D
Current heart rate 1 D D D
Average heart rate for trend
deviation
Average heart rate over 1 min 0.2 D D D
Average heart rate over 1 h 0.2 D D D
Average heart rate over 6 h 0.2 D D D
Average heart rate over 12 h 0.2 D D D
Respiration 128 D D
Respiration rate 1 D D D
Basal impedance 1 D D D
Status graph 0.1 D D D
1 D D D
AUX1 1 D D D
AUX2 32 D D
98 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
9.10 Settings in the Heart rate menu (Settings
protection Off)
For this setting, Settings protection must be set to Off as explained under “System\ Settings
protection On, Limited, Off” on
page 73.
The possible settings when
Settings protection is set to
Limited are explained in the
section “Heart rate menu –
alarm settings (Settings protec-
tion Limited)” on page 75.
Factory settings are shown in
bold type.
Fig. 68 Settings in the Heart rate menu
Silent lower limit (Heart) 30, 35 ... 50 ... 175, 180/min
Lower limit for the heart rate; when the
measured value falls below this limit for
longer than the set Bradycardia delay,
a silent alarm is stored.
Silent upper limit (Heart) . 100, 105 ... 255/min
See Silent lower limit.
Bradycardia delay .............. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... 14, 15 seconds
Delay between when bradycardia is detected and the corresponding alarm is
triggered.
Tachycardia delay ............... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 15 ... 23, 24 seconds
See Bradycardia delay, but for tachy-
cardia.
Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff 99
Asystole delay ...................... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 14, 15 seconds
See Bradycardia delay, but for asystole
RR averaging ......................... 2. 4, 6, 8 ... 14, 16 beats
Number of heartbeats used to calculate
the heart rate –
the displayed heart rate used to detect
alarm conditions is calculated as an average value over the number of heartbeats set here. The greater the value
chosen for RR averaging, the slower the
system’s reaction, particularly in the
event of bradycardia, to report an
alarm.
Averaging interval ............ 10, 20 ... 60 ... 110, 120 seconds
The average heart rate measured over
the set interval yields the reference
value for calculating Trend deviation
(+) and Trend deviation (-).
Trend deviation (+) ............. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50%
The current heart rate is compared with
the average heart rate measured over
the averaging interval and an alarm is
reported when the set percentage deviation is exceeded. This alarm is reported only when Heart rate alarms is
set to Limits & trends.
Trend deviation (–) ............. See Trend deviation (+), but the value
falls below the set percentage deviation.
50 Hz filter ............................ Setting the 50 Hz filter to On sup-
presses interference signals, but also filters out parts of the ECG signal.
Lead, Nr. of electrodes ...... I YE-RD, 3 (yellow–red, 3 electrodes)
II BK-RD, 3 (black–red, 3 electrodes)
100 Information for the doctor and qualified medical staff
III BK-YE, 3 (black–yellow, 3 electrodes)
I YE-RD, 2 (yellow–red, 2 electrodes)
Here you can determine which lead is
used with two or three electrodes for
detecting the ECG signal (explanations
in the following).
Pacer detection .................... Activate this for pacemaker patients so
that stimulating pacemaker pulses are
not mistakenly processed as R waves;
explanations can be found under
“VitaGuard® and other medical devices”
on page 81.
Heart rate alarms ............... – When Heart rate alarms is set to
Limits only, acoustic alarms are re-
ported when the measured values violate the set alarm limits.
– When Heart rate alarms is set to
Limits & trends, acoustic alarms are reported when the measured values violate the set alarm limits AND when
there is a positive or negative deviation
from the average heart rate measured
over the set interval.
Loading...