Philips HeartStart MRx ALS Defib Gets Fresh Updates

Philips has just announced additional new enhancements to the company's popular HeartStart MRx cardiac monitor/defibrillator. The company says it has improved the signal analysis processing software in the unit, as as well as patient management tools, and that will allow for quick handover of patients from EMR to physicians and nurses in the ER. From the press release:> The MRx now features the next-generation Q-CPR Measurement and Feedback tool as well as support system- or institution-wide quality improvements using robust retrospective data review capabilities. This update features the innovative new Q-CPR meter – already the winner of a Red Dot International Design award—which displays visual feedback directly where the caregiver is focused—on the patient’s chest. Q-CPR remains the only tool currently available that allows professionals to get feedback on ventilations as well as compressions. The first generation Q-CPR is supported by more published data than any other CPR quality-improvement tool, including studies in the Archives of Internal Medicine and Journal of the American Medical Association. The enhanced HeartStart MRx also features multiple data management solutions designed to streamline the flow of patient information. Specifically, Philips’ Periodic Clinical Data Transmission collects ECG and vital patient information in the field and periodically sends this data to the receiving hospital, enabling physicians to analyze and track patients ahead of their arrival. Only the MRx has a built-in Ethernet port that allows for IP-based transfer of code event summaries at LAN speed. New file-forwarding software called Data Messenger has also been added to automate the transfer of clinical care event summaries for reliable review by medical directors. The HeartStart MRx is the only monitor/defibrillator to offer Philips’ new DXL ECG Algorithm, which enables analysis of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) data. Unlike other 12-lead algorithms, the DXL Algorithm identifies the STEMI-CA (Culprit Artery) and provides Critical Values. Philips STEMI-CA pinpoints the probable congested artery, while Critical Values highlight any of four distinct life-threatening conditions requiring immediate clinical attention. In addition, enhanced gender-specific criteria provide valuable information for diagnosing cardiac emergencies in women. These tools provide user-friendly data designed to speed triage, quickly mobilize resources and more efficiently prepare for treatment in the Cath lab. Two additional tools available on the HeartStart MRx are the Philips Acute Cardiac Ischemia Time Insensitive Predictive Instrument (ACI-TIPI) and Thrombolytic Predictive Instrument (TPI) algorithms, which enable medics to alert and prepare the hospital ahead of the arrival of a suspected STEMI patient and/or bypass the closest hospital for a cardiac specialty center. ACI-TIPI provides a percentage score indicating the probability that the patient is experiencing acute cardiac ischemia. TPI provides mortality predictions in considering the use of thrombolytics to treat STEMI patients when percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not readily available. Originally found at MedGadget

Mon Apr 04 2011