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10Monitoring NBP
This monitor uses the oscillometric method for measuring NBP.
The NBP measurement is suitable for use in the presence of electrosurgery and during the discharge of
a cardiac defibrillator according to IEC 601-2-30:1999/EN 60601-2-30:2000.
A physician must determine the clinical significance of the NBP information.
Introducing the Oscillometric NBP Measurement
Oscillometric devices measure the amplitude of pressure changes (oscillations) in the occluding cuff as
the cuff deflates from above systolic pressure. The amplitude suddenly increases as the pulse breaks
through the occlusion in the artery. As the cuff pressure decreases further, the pulsations increase in
amplitude, reach a maximum (which approximates to the mean pressure), and then diminish.
Studies show that, especially in critical cases (arrhythmia, vasoconstriction, hypertension, shock),
oscillometric devices are more accurate and consistent than devices using other noninvasive measuring
techniques.
WARNING
Patient Category: Select the correct patient category setting for your patient. Do not apply the higher
adult inflation, overpressure limits and measurement duration to neonatal patients.
Intravenous infusion: Do not use the NBP cuff on a limb with an intravenous infusion or arterial
catheter in place. This could cause tissue damage around the catheter when the infusion is slowed or
blocked during cuff inflation.
Skin Damage: Do not measure NBP in cases of sickle-cell disease or any condition where skin
damage has occurred or is expected.
Existing Wounds: Do not apply the cuff over a wound as this can cause further injury.
Mastectomy: Avoid applying the cuff on the side of the mastectomy, as the pressure increases the risk
of lymphedema. For patients with a bilateral mastectomy, use clinical judgement to decide whether the
the benefit of the measurement outweighs the risk.
Unattended Measurement: Use clinical judgement to decide whether to perform frequent
unattended blood pressure measurements. Too frequent measurements can cause blood flow
interference potentially resulting in injury to the patient. In cases of severe blood clotting disorders
frequent measurements increase the risk of hematoma in the limb fitted with the cuff.