Abstract
Continuous monitoring of vital signs is important for ensuring the safety of patients undergoing invasive procedures during implant therapy. Medical engineering techniques were used to develop a video overlay monitoring system (VOLMS) that permitted the clinical use of a commercially available monitor and the documentation of detailed intraoperative records. This system uses a personal computer and superimposer to analyze serial data output from the monitor and to superimpose vital sign data, as well as the corresponding date and time, onto the intraoperative image displayed on a television monitor. The system also allows the storage and transfer of these images.
Vital sign data displayed on the intraoperative image include systolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate obtained piezoelectrically from cuff vibration, pulse rate obtained photoelectrically from a fingertip, and arterial oxygen saturation. In addition, during measurement of blood pressure the rate pressure product (RPP) is calculated and output. When blood pressure is not being measured, the operating system software is revised to permit display of the arterial oxygen saturation and the pulse rate obtained from the fingertip probe once per minute.
The use of this system for implant therapy enabled not only the operator but also the patient's guardian to confirm the patient's vital signs. In addition, the recorded videotape serves as a paperless intraoperative record that can provide abundant information.
