Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Nieman.
The safe use of electrical distribution boards in operating theatres is described, with particular reference to British Standard 5724. Recommendations as to a practical working policy are made.
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The equipment described allows the accuracy of a syringe pump to be tested quickly and conveniently. A digital micrometer assembly clips in place of the disposable syringe and transmits readings to a separate unit which displays flow rates in ml/h. Initial readings of pump output are given in 30 s, with readings to a higher accuracy within 4 min.
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This article describes a convenient method of checking the delivery rate of volumetric pumps at low flow rate settings. The method employs a tester previously described for use with syringe pumps.
This article describes the failure mechanisms of nickel cadmium batteries. The design of suitable battery chargers for defibrillators is discussed. It is argued that the life of nickel cadmium battery packs can be significantly extended without impairing safety if appropriate testing is carried out. Results of tests on a set of 10 defibrillator packs removed from service after a period of two years are presented.
A Cyprane Enfluratec 3 vaporizer has been modified so that it can be operated under computer control. Details are given of construction and of safety precautions employed.
A self-contained power unit designed to assist porters and nurses with the task of moving patients in unpowered wheelchairs is described. It can be quickly and easily clamped onto a wheelchair and used to provide assistance for negotiating ramps or long corridors. This paper describes the design and performance of the prototype.
A cause of electrosurgical burns in surgical procedures is faulty active leads. A survey of faults and modes of failures are reported. The design of a meter is given for use by a sterilizing department to enable leads to be checked. Using the criterion of two times the original resistance, 35 cables were found to be defective out of a population of about 200 cables. About half of these cables transmitted radio frequency (RF) power inefficiently: often power was intermittent and hot spots would develop. The commonest mode of failure was a break between the socket and the wire at the forceps end. Rejection criteria are reviewed and we suggest a resistance less than 0.3 omega.
A microprocessor-controlled tester for nickel cadmium batteries is described. This versatile instrument allows up to three cycles of charge and discharge to be performed automatically, with results presented in hard-copy form. The tester determines whether defective cells are present in a battery by comparing the discharge characteristics with previously established values. Batteries can also be discharged in a way which simulates their use in defibrillators.