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Operating the pacer
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DefiMonitor XD 21324 / GB / K05
METRAX GmbH
12.4
Setting the stimulation intensity
When the Pacer is switched on, a current of 10 mA (peak value) is preset, independent of the
selected operating mode or stimulation rate.
The stimulation intensity can be changed within a range of
(+) 10 mA to 180 mA using the
buttons stimulation int and stimulation intensity
(-). (also see chapter 15) The
intensity can be raised or lowered by 5ma with every key stroke. The stimulation intensity can
also be changed during pacing.
The selected stimulation intensity depends on the patient's physical constitution. The current
selected should result in the effect of the stimulation being clearly visible on the monitor.
The stimulation intensity is a compromise between good and effective stimulation of the heart
and the possible necessity of sedating the patient. Once the effect of the stimulation is clearly
recognisable on the ECG, the intensity can carefully be reduced to find the "optimum"
intensity.
Pacing results in a contraction of the skeletal muscles. This is not a sign of effective heart
stimulation. Watch the ECG on the monitor to determine when the intensity is sufficient.
12.5
Starting and stopping pacing
Note
The Pacer operating mode must be selected before pacing is started. The operating
mode cannot be changed once pacing has started. The operating mode is
displayed on the monitor.
Procedure:
Press the Start/Stop button. Stimulation with the preset values. A signal tone is issued
to confirm this.
The operating mode display text on the monitor starts to flash. When stimulation pulses
are emitted, the LED next to the Start/Stop button lights up.
To enable better ECG monitoring, the display of the first ECG channel automatically jumps to
derivation II.
To stop stimulation, briefly press the Start/Stop button. This is confirmed by a short acoustic
signal. The display text stops flashing.
Note
Limited duration of stimulation in OVERDRIVE mode:
To prevent dangerous, overlong stimulation in OVERDRIVE mode, stimulation time
without intervention by the operator is limited to 15 seconds.
After starting stimulation using Start/Stop switch, stimulation is effected with the preset values
Stimulation ends after 15 seconds if neither the pacer intensity nor the pacer rate are changed.
If one of these buttons is pressed, the 15 seconds are counted again.
Stimulation can be stopped before the 15 seconds have elapsed by pressing the Stimulation
Start/Stop button.