By: Paul Verboom
The medical instrument manufactures are increasingly relying on existing commercial and industrial IT technology in the manufacture of their products.
By going beyond the documentation provided by the manufacture I was able to better understand one of the key processes in the MUSE system, the ECG Cart download. With this base of knowledge I was able to design our own wireless download system at Capital Health in Halifax Nova Scotia Canada. This was done at a significantly lower cost than the manufacture’s option. Our solution also has several features not found in the manufacture’s option which in my opinion makes it a better solution.
This article makes available several files that document our wireless download solution. There should be enough information here to replicate our implementation. Using non OEM hardware for this function has raised questions about liability and risk. These issues where discussed, the consensus was; regardless of who’s wireless solution was used, the majority of the hardware used for this download was provided by our institution. Whether our hardware and responsibility ended at the antenna in the ceiling or serial connection on the back of the ECG machine made little difference.
The average Biomed will seldom use their soldering iron anymore; however everyday there is an other piece of IT equipment entering the hospitals disguised as a medical device. Learning about this technology has become an increasing important part of our job. Learning how to learn about this technology is something that is covered in conference paper presented here.
There is a gap between the medical manufactures and the hospital IT department. Learning about new technology is the key will allow the Biomed to speak the language of both parties and fill this gap.
You will need to an account on the ACCES website to download these files. An account is free to setup just click on the Create an Account link.
Downloadable Documents:
- Paper Presented at 2012 ACCES/CMBES (137.92 kB)
- Power Point Presentation made at 2012 ACCES/CMBES Conference (568.03 kB)
- Quatech Module configuration (817.86 kB)
- Configuring Serial/IP software for MAC 5500 ECG Machines (426.05 kB)
CLICK HERE to visit the ACCES Tech Tips Webpage.
OCEA Ohio Clinical Engineering Association says, “Thank You” to:
ACCES Atlantic Canada Clinical Engineering Society
Our mission is to support clinical engineering professionals working in Atlantic Canada. We strive to develop and promote opportunities for continuing education, personal growth, sharing of experience, adoption of standards of practice, and certification. We will represent our members to government and promote the profession within the health care community.
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