Operator's Manual

Chapter 6 Taking medical readings
Tempus Pro User/Operator Manual - 41-2001EN-00 – Page 74
6.1.11 Monitoring respiration rate with ECG cable
The Tempus Pro allows the user to monitor the patient’s respiration through the ECG cable by measuring
the change in the patient’s impedance as their chest wall moves (impedance pneumography). This section
will explain how to use this feature. The device defaults to impedance respiration being off. By turning
Impedance Respiration on, it can be measured through one ECG lead on 3-, 4-, 5- or 12-lead cables, unless
the Capnometer is in operation.
WARNING
Do not operate the Tempus with any other monitor with respiration measurements on
the same patient. The two devices could affect the respiration accuracy of each
other.
WARNING
Do not use the Tempus as an apnoea monitor.
Respiration rate from ECG leads
By default, the Tempus Pro will be set to monitor respiration rate through the ECG leads when it is supplied.
WARNING
If capnography is used, the Tempus will always obtain
its respiration rate
measurement from this parameter. If capnography is not available, then respiration
will be derived from the ECG leads using an impedance-based method. In this case,
users are reminded that the reading represents a cyclic change in measured
impedance which is interpreted to be the change of impedance as the chest moves
out and in. Users should note that this is therefore an indirect reading of respiration.
WARNING
Impedance pneumography detects respiratory effort through changes in chest
volume. However, No Breath episodes with continued respiratory effort may go
undetected. Always monitor and set alarms for SpO
2
when using impedance
pneumography to monitor respiratory function.
WARNING
With any monitor that detects respiratory
effort through impedance pneumography,
artefact due to patient motion, apnoea mattress shaking, or electrocautery use may
cause apnoea episodes to go undetected. Always monitor and set alarms for SpO
2
when using impedance pneumography to monitor respiratory function.
WARNING
When using impedance pneumography, don’t use the Tempus with another
respiration monitor on the same patient, because the respiration measurement
signals may interfere with one another.
WARNING
Impedance pneumography is not recommended for use on paced patients, because
pacemaker pulses may be falsely counted as breaths.
WARNING
Impedance pneumography is not recommended for use with high frequency
ventilation.
WARNING
Since impedance pneumography uses the same leads as
the ECG channel, the
Tempus unit determines which signals are cardiovascular artefact and which signals
are the result of respiratory effort. If the breath rate is within five Percent of the heart
rate, the monitor may ignore breaths and trigger a respiration alarm.