Product category:
Connectors, Terminals, Busbars and Slip Rings
News Release from: Lemo UK | Subject: TruCCOMS
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 06 May 2002
Heart monitor uses reliable connector
technology
When Aortech developed its TruCCOMS (true continuous cardiac output monitoring system) it needed a connector that was well proven in medical applications.
The TruCCOMS (true continuous cardiac output monitoring system) is based on ground breaking technology It is of major benefit to critical patients as it enables medical staff to monitor cardiac output in real time, giving more accurate diagnoses and allowing more timely clinical interventions
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 6 May 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Single-fibre connector saves on splicing
Innovative technology originally developed for the CERN European Organisation for Nuclear Research has been used in the manufacture of the first subminiature single-fibre-optic connector.
Waterproof connector aids ruggenised meters
The Castle Group, has developed the first weatherproof and dustproof range of sound level meters which use Lemo's rugged and weatherproof K Series connector.
The system has other significant advantages such as freeing operator dependency and subsequent nursing time and reducing potential risks of infection through repeated injection and catheter manipulation.
Developed by Aortech to improve patient care, TruCCOMS is a continuous monitoring system that gives a constant measurement of blood flow and pressure.
In the past nursing staff have had to rely on taking readings at specified intervals, disturbing the patient and not knowing fully what was happening between readings.
Further reading
Broadcast camera connectors for triax or fibre
Lemo (UK) offers a complete range of broadcast camera connectors for use worldwide in markets such as Europe, Japan and the USA.
Connectors survive reality television
Polecam, a revolutionary, portable camera and microphone system on a 6m pole, required a reliable connector system.
It was also a process that took up a lot of nursing time.
The TruCCOMS allows monitoring to be done speedily, constantly and without causing the patient any discomfort.
It will also show quickly if there are any problems occurring in the patient such as internal bleeding which may not otherwise be detectable.
The TruCCOMS required the most reliable connector technology available.
Lemo's Redel connector was chosen as it is well proven in medical applications, being widely used for catheter applications and urological RF probes.
It is manufactured from polysulfone (PSU) with positive operator friendly latching and precision gold-plated electrical contacts for the highest degree of reliability.
Lemo's Redel connector is also very easy to use with its self-latching system ensuring a reliable and perfect connection as soon as mated.
The mating cannot be broken by any accidental pull of the cable, and only a deliberate pull on the plug outer shell will release the connectors.
This safety feature is particularly important in busy operating theatres where surgeons are carrying out open-heart surgery.
Redel Connectors in PSU are UL certified as auto extinguishable and can be sterilised by gas or steam up to 20 cycles (as per IEC 601-1 standard).
For extensive sterilisation (over 100 cycles), poletherimide ULTEM (PEI) is recommended.
Contacts are gold plated over copper and nickel to ensure at least 1000 mating/demating cycles without significantly affecting the electrical characteristics of the system.
A keying system combined with colour coding can be incorporated on all connector types to assist in the prevention of mismating.
For example, one or two keys on the plug nose will only permit it to be mated with a socket of the same keying configuration, whilst colour coding of the plug collet nut and socket flange will give an instant visual indication as to whether the connectors are compatible or not.
• Lemo UK: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
