User's Manual
Ultraview Care Network
15-10
ECG Monitoring
In addition to ultrasound, channel 1 is designed to monitor fetal heart rate using
an invasive spiral electrode to obtain the fetal ECG and derive the heart rate. The
ECG (internal) mode is generally considered the most accurate and reliable
method to obtain a fetal heart rate.
Fetal ECG Electrode Preparation and Application
1. Prepare an area on the patient’s upper thigh or, preferably, on the lower
abdomen by cleaning with an alcohol swab. Allow to dry.
2. Apply a pre-gelled ECG skin electrode to the prepared area.
3. Plug the leg clip (green) connector into the FHR 1 (green) connector on the
front of the monitor. The groove on the transducer connector must be aligned
properly.
4. Apply the fetal spiral electrode according to the instructions on the
manufacturer’s packaging.
5. Once the spiral electrode has been attached, press the top of each push post
on the leg clip to reveal a slot. Insert each wire (two) from the electrode into
each slot on the leg clip. There are no color-coded requirements, either wire
can be inserted into either post.
6. Gently pull the wires to make sure they are firmly attached to the leg clip. They
should not disconnect.
7. Attach the leg clip to the pre-gelled skin ECG electrode on the patient’s thigh
or abdomen.
8. Check that the monitor is receiving appropriate signals, and adjust the audio
key to hear the tone (R-wave detection), as necessary.
WARNING:
• Because the tip of the fetal spiral electrode is designed to
penetrate the fetal skin, it may present the possibility of
trauma, hemorrhage, or infection. Therefore, these
electrodes should only be used under aseptic conditions.
Refer to contraindications and application instructions on
the electrode manufacturer’s packaging.
• To apply the fetal ECG spiral electrode, the membranes
must be ruptured.
!
• If both the fetal heart rate and uterine activity are to be
monitored using internal techniques, it is generally
recommended that the intra-uterine catheter be inserted before
the attachment of the spiral electrode.
!
• To acquire ECG data, the leg clip must be connected to FHR
channel 1.
• The leg clip does not work on FHR channel 2.