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Biomedical subjects

M Nairn

Publications and source records attributed to M Nairn.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

CleftNet (Scotland): a network for the treatment of cleft palate speech using EPG.

Electropalatography (EPG) has proven its effectiveness in changing abnormal articulatory placement in cleft palate speech but clinicians often do not have ready access to such equipment. In order to improve access to EPG therapy, a network has been established which electronically links cleft palate centres throughout Scotland with EPG specialists based at Queen Margaret College (QMC), Edinburgh. The network was set up through a collaborative project entitled 'CleftNet Scotland', funded by the Scottish Office Department of Health. In this paper, the rationale and overarching aims of CleftNet Scotland are described and the efficacy of this form of EPG therapy illustrated by descriptions of two cases.

Child↗

Tests of six continuous flow CPAP devices.

Six continuous flow CPAP devices were tested for pressure fluctuation and stability of inhaled oxygen concentration under conditions of simulated respiration. Four of the systems, the Ambu, Auspap, Downs'-Vital Signs and the Dräger are commercially available and two, the Prince Henry (PHH) and the Prince of Wales (POW) systems were assembled from Bird respirator parts, which were available in the respective Intensive Care Units. All appeared to be clinically effective. The Ambu offers convenience and economy of gases, the Dräger showed the least pressure fluctuations. Three of the four commercial systems lacked certain safety features which could more easily be added to the two non-commercial devices.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Does the radial arterial line degrade the performance of a pulse oximeter?

The presence of radial arterial lines may diminish distal digital perfusion. Using a pair of pulse oximeters on the index fingers of cannulated and noncannulated arms the saturation and oximeter pulse strength were assessed. Three hundred paired measurements in fifty consecutive Intensive Care patients were undertaken more than two hours after cannula insertion. The pulse strength was 19.7 (SD 6.1) and 19.7 (SD 5.7) on the cannulated and noncannulated sides while the saturation was 97.3 (SD 2.3) and 97.1 (SD 2.4) respectively. These differences are not clinically important and the study demonstrates that reliable pulse oximetry measurements may be made distal to a radial artery cannula. It is recommended that in each individual the placement of the sensor be such as to ensure the best signal and the most stable saturation readings.

Catheterization, Peripheral↗

A comparison of fifteen pulse oximeters. Part I: A clinical comparison; Part II: A test of performance under conditions of poor perfusion.

Fifteen pulse oximeters were compared. Their physical characteristics, price, warranty, information handling and displays were catalogued. Times for changes in data display and susceptibility to interference were assessed. A model for comparison of oximeters under conditions of poor perfusion was developed using a tourniquet to progressively diminish limb perfusion pressure (systolic minus tourniquet pressure). The oximeters evidenced a wide variety of features and performance in poor perfusion states. Instruments lacking a beep varying in pitch with saturation or a waveform/pulse bar display of plethysmograph signal were considered less satisfactory. The majority of instruments, with some notable exceptions, performed remarkably well in a state of diminished perfusion. The study demonstrates that purchasers of pulse oximeters need to exercise care in assessing the suitability of particular instruments to their specific requirements.

Adult↗