Bedside computerized system for monitoring and processing of biological signals in intensive care units

A description is given of the application of a generic bedside system, developed using an IBM-PC compatible, with the aim of getting essential biological signals to perform a complete cardiovascular function analysis. Six cardiac patients with critical heart failure impaired by arrhythmia, infection, pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction were monitored through: (a) ECG; (b) VCG; (c) hemodynamic data (right atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, systemic pressure); (d) cardiac output (thermodilution and thoracic electrical bioimpedance); (e) dZ/dt of TEB. These signals were stored and processed to furnish the electrical-hemodynamic coupling correlation. As a control, the results of the cardiac output calculated by TEB were compared to the thermodilution method. The dZ/dt wave together with the ECG and hemodynamic signals allowed continuous determination of the pre-ejection period, ventricular ejection time, isovolumetric relaxation, time and ventricular filling period. The system also permitted several devices to be interfaced to the microcomputer, a better therapeutic approach for critical patients, as well as providing data for medical education and research.

Duke Scholars

Author Miguel Angelo L. Nicolelis Neurobiology