User & Service Manual
Natus Quantum Amplifier
7
WARNING:
We strongly recommend that you read the
Contraindications,
Warnings and
Cautions
section of this manual before operating this amplifier.
1.2. Intended Use
The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used as an electroencephalograph: to acquire, display,
store and archive electrophysiological signals. The amplifier should be used in conjunction with
Natus
NeuroWorks
®
/SleepWorks™ software to acquire scalp and intracranial electroencephalographic (EEG)
signals as well as polysomnographic (PSG) signals. The amplifier is designed to facilitate functional
mapping using a Digital Switch Matrix. The Digital Switch Matrix portion of the headbox is a combination
of hardware relays and software controls allowing the user (physician or technologist) to switch electrode
pairs between the EEG recording amplifier and the external cortical stimulator for stimulus delivery.
The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used by trained medical professionals, and is designed
for use in clinical environments such as hospital rooms, epilepsy monitoring units, intensive care units,
and operating rooms. It can be used with patients of all ages, but is not designed for fetal use.
1.3. System Components
The Quantum Amplifier system is provided with optional system components. Computers are intended to
run the NeuroWorks/SleepWorks software exclusively. Cameras are intended to acquire synchronized
video of the patient during long-term monitoring. Isolation transformers are intended to provide power for
all system components while ensuring the safety of operators and patients. Carts are intended to support
and facilitate the use of the Quantum amplifier while keeping the system mobile.
1.4. Essential Performance Degradation
Professional healthcare trained personnel will observe essential performance degradation which includes
but are not limited to:
Loss of EEG signal/data
Amplifier saturation indication on the computer monitor,
Intermittent bursts of noise on random EEG leads.
Loss of communications from the computer to the Natus base
Pinbox disconnected events. (Quantum)
Interruptions in signal transmission resulting from external electromagnetic events. (Ex:
Electrocautery, Operation of wireless equipment in close proximity to the amplifier, etc.)
Any form or random or intermittent system behaviour.
If any of the above are observed or if unusual system behaviour is observed contact Natus Technical
support.
1.5. Operating Principle of the Quantum Amplifier
The Natus Quantum amplifier system is comprised of a base unit and several breakout boxes. It is part of
a system that is made up of a personal computer, a photic stimulator, an isolation transformer, video and
audio equipment, networking equipment, and mechanical supports. The amplifier also contains an
internal switch matrix to allow for a connection to an external cortical stimulator.
EEG and other physiological signals, from scalp electrodes, grid or needle electrodes, and other
accessories such as pulse oximeters can be acquired by the Natus Quantum amplifier. These signals are
