Operator's Manual

6.1 Electrocardiography (ECG)
Tempus Pro User/Operator Manual - 41-2001EN-00 – Page 75
CAUTION
Users should note that in the case of supine patients, breathing may involve relatively
greater movement of the abdomen (and consequently less expansion of the chest) during
breathing. In this case chest impedance changes may not be significant to produce reliable
readings.
CAUTION
If impedance respiration is being used, the ECG electrodes should be placed on the torso
and not the limbs.
CAUTION
Impedance respiration measurements are highly subject to patient movement. The
impedance changes across the chest during breathing can be easily masked by patient
movement or muscle noise during movement.
CAUTION
In motion environments care should be taken to observe best practise on electrode site
preparation, electrode and cable securement, securement of the Tempus and securement of
the patient. RDT recommends using capnography to measure respiration in motion
environments.
Impedance-based respiration monitoring is performed through the Lead II wires (RA-LL) by default. This can
be changed to use Lead I (RA-LA). For the most reliable respiration measurement, users should select the
lead which has the largest R-wave. Your choice depends on the ECG cable type connected and the lead
chosen for ECG waveform monitoring:
ECG cable type connected
Lead selected for ECG
waveform monitoring
Leads available for respiration
monitoring
3-lead
Lead I Lead I only
Lead II Lead II only
Lead III Lead I or Lead II
4-, 5- or 12-lead Any
Lead I or Lead II
(independent of ECG waveform)
Note
If capnography is in use, the waveform will automatically change to “CAPNO” and will
display the end tidal CO
2
. The results will change to additionally display the ETCO
2
reading.
Once the ECG cable is attached, respiration measurements will be started. The device will produce a
reading once an average of 3 readings has been obtained. Consequently, with very low respiration rates
(e.g. 5 per minute), a reading may not be obtained for 30 seconds or more. The product will as a
consequence also have a slower level of responsiveness to marginal changes in respiration rates with
patients with such low breathing rates.