Abstract
The Relaxometer is a computer-controlled system developed for reliable clinical experimental measurements on neuromuscular block. This system is based on an adapted personal computer (Atari 1040 ST) with a monochrome monitor (Atari SM 124), and a microcomputer-driven slave unit (stimulator). There are several stimulation patterns available: single twitch at 0.1 and 1 Hz, single train-of-four, continuous train-of-four every 12 seconds, and tetanic stimulation at 50 Hz for 5 seconds followed by posttetanic count. The system is equipped with a temperature module for continuous monitoring of the skin/muscle temperature and a rechargeable battery to allow uninterrupted measurements if the apparatus is disconnected from the line power. All acquired data, computer-calculated parameters (onset time, duration time, recovery index, train-of-four ratio, tetanic fade, and posttetanic count), and the mechanomyogram are presented on screen continuously, are stored on floppy disk, and can be printed in a well-organized format.
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Atari ST 1040 and Atari SM 124 are trademarks of the Atari Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA.
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Rowaan, C.J., Vandenbrom, R.H.G. & Wierda, J.M.K.H. The Relaxometer: A complete and comprehensive computer-controlled neuromuscular transmission measurement system developed for clinical research on muscle relaxants. J Clin Monitor Comput 9, 38–44 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01627635
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01627635