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Fluke VT Plus HF Operator's Manual

Gas flow analyzer
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VT Plus HF
Gas Flow Analyzer
Operators Manual
PN 2137275
May 2005
© 2005 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies

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  • Page 1 VT Plus HF Gas Flow Analyzer Operators Manual PN 2137275 May 2005 © 2005 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in USA All product names are trademarks of their respective companies...

  • Page 3: All Rights Reserved

    NIST calibration standards are measured against in-house performance standards using accepted test procedures. Obtaining Assistance If you have trouble operating the VT Plus HF, or just need some clarification on its operation, contact Fluke Biomedical’s Technical Assistance Center at 800-648-7952. Manufacturing Location Fluke Biomedical 6920 Seaway Blvd.

  • Page 4: Safety Considerations

    Protective earth (ground) Inspect the lead ends for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use. If operating the VT PLUS HF at 110 and 220 volts, turn the power switch to the OFF position before changing the supply voltage.
  • Page 5 Gas Flow Analyzer Safety Considerations Hazard Warnings Warning! Power Rating. The VT PLUS HF mains power input must be connected to an external power supply that provides voltage and current within the specified rating for the system. Warning! Internal Voltage. Always turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord before cleaning the outer surface of the VT PLUS HF.

  • Page 6: Applicable Testing Standards

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Applicable Testing Standards The VT PLUS HF has been tested by an independent laboratory and meets the requirements listed here. Safety Requirements UL 3101-1, Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements. Canada CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1 (1992), Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements.

  • Page 7: Electromagnetic Interference And Susceptibility

    Gas Flow Analyzer Applicable Testing Standards Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility USA FCC Class A Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 8: Ec Directive 89/336/Eec Electromagnetic Compatibility

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Based on the testing standards below, this device bears the mark. EC Directive 89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility Emissions - Class A The system has been type tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1:1998 for Radiated Emissions and Line Conducted Emissions.

  • Page 9: Warranty

    Fluke Biomedical. This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse or as the result of service or modification by other than Fluke Biomedical.

  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    EC Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage (User Safety)..........vi Warranty ..........................vii Warranty Disclaimer......................vii Contents ........................... viii 1 Overview Introducing the VT PLUS HF ................... 1-1 Optional Accessories ....................... 1-2 Theory of Operation ......................1-2 Pressure Measurements ................... 1-2 Oxygen Measurements ..................1-4 Flow Measurements ..................

  • Page 11: Contents

    Procedure for Calibrating the Oxygen................7-2 Replacing the Fuses ......................7-3 Error Messages ....................... 7-4 Troubleshooting ....................... 7-7 Returning the VT PLUS HF for Service................7-12 8 VT Plus PC Software Getting Started......................... 8-1 System Requirements ..................8-1 Connecting to the VT PLUS HF................. 8-1...
  • Page 12 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Starting the Software ..................8-2  Overview of VT Plus for Windows Software..............8-3 Purpose and Intended Use ................8-3 Using VT Plus for Windows® ................8-3 Menus and the Toolbar ....................8-5 Pull-down Menus ....................8-5 Toolbar Description ...................

  • Page 13: Overview

    O, inHg, cmH O or mmHg. Leak Testing. The VT PLUS HF allows the user to test the leak rate of a sealed vessel or test lung. Trend Testing. The VT PLUS HF provides an automated test to see if a predetermined parameter deviates from limits set by the user.

  • Page 14: Optional Accessories

    See Chapter 8, VT Plus PC Software. For other interface needs, please call Fluke Biomedical. Lung Simulator. The VT PLUS HF will operate with or without a test lung attached. The use of a test lung with integrated airway restrictors will assist the operator in evaluating intermittent errors.
  • Page 15 When the VT PLUS HF is set to measure from the high-flow port, the airway pressure is measured from the high-flow port. Likewise, when the low-flow range is selected, the airway pressure is measured from the low-flow port.

  • Page 16: Oxygen Measurements

    : The flow measurement sensors in the VT PLUS HF are linearly dependent Gas Settings on the viscosity of the applied gas. The VT PLUS HF setup options allow the user to specify what type of gas is being used. Additional choices are available using the USER DEFINE MODE.
  • Page 17 The ambient pressure is obtained from the measured barometric pressure. The user sets the ambient temperature by using the setup menu. It should be noted that the relative humidity setting on the VT PLUS HF is only used for the BTPS and STPD correction.

  • Page 18: Breath Detection

    The user must remove the flow so that a correct zero reading can occur. In the autozero mode, the VT PLUS HF uses the valves that switch between the high- and low-flow ports to obtain a zero reading. It is assumed that there is no flow in the unselected port.
  • Page 19 Figure 1-1. Circuit Connection for the VT PLUS HF in bi-directional mode When using the VT PLUS HF with a ventilator and a test lung, the bi- Note: directional breath detect mode is preferred. Only use the inspiratory and expiratory breath detect modes if measurements cannot be made in the bi-directional mode.

  • Page 20: Calculated Parameters

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Calculated Parameters The following is a list of parameters calculated by the VT PLUS HF. A breath detection algorithm determines the various phases of a ventilator breath and then the following parameters are calculated. Parameter...

  • Page 21: About This Manual

    Gas Flow Analyzer Overview About This Manual This manual provides a complete description of the VT PLUS HF Gas Flow Analyzer and its applications. The manual contains information for beginners as well as experts in mechanical ventilator evaluation. The quickest way to become familiar with the instrument is to turn it on, connect it to a ventilator and test lung, and experiment using this manual as a guide.
  • Page 22 VT Plus HF Operators Manual 1-10...

  • Page 23: Installation

    Before unpacking the VT PLUS HF, visually inspect the shipping box for damage. • If no damage is evident, unpack the VT PLUS HF and use the checklist below to ensure that you have received the tester's accessories. Save the foam inserts and shipping box.

  • Page 24: Pneumatic Connections

    Connecting the VT PLUS HF Pneumatic Connections The VT PLUS HF can be connected to a ventilator and a test load in either a bi- directional or uni-directional flow configuration. The following is a description of various connections on the VT PLUS HF:...

  • Page 25: Quick Installation/Operations Guide

    Refer to Figure 2-1. See Chapter 4, System Setup for more details. Inspiratory Hose TEST Ventilator VT PLUS HF LUNG Inlet Outlet Expiratory Hose fig2-2.eps Figure 2-1. Connecting the VT PLUS HF between the ventilator and load (test lung) in a bi-directional flow mode...

  • Page 26: Uni-Directional Flow Mode

    Figure 2-2. Connecting the VT PLUS HF to in either the inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit. Expiratory Testing 1. Connect the expiratory hose to the flow port on the right side of the VT PLUS HF. 2. Connect the flow exhaust port on the left to the ventilator using standard breathing hoses.
  • Page 27 See Chapter 6, Special Functions for more details. The VT PLUS HF should display a screen similar to that shown in Figure 2-4. The flow of gas delivered by the ventilator is shown graphically on the screen. Figure 2-4. VT PLUS HF flow display...

  • Page 28: Attaching The Printer Cable

    Attaching the Printer Cable The printer is set up for parallel printing. The printer uses a D25 Male to Centronics parallel cable, available from a Fluke Biomedical representative (Fluke Biomedical P/N 2238072) or from most electronic supply outlets. To attach the parallel cable: a.

  • Page 29: Keypad Functions

    Chapter 3 Keypad Functions 1. VT PLUS HF Keypad Functions VT PLUS HF Keypad Functions Figure 3-1 illustrates the VT PLUS HF keypad. The various keys and their functions are described on the following pages. VT PLUS HF GAS FLOW ANALYZER...

  • Page 30: Soft Keys

    The VT PLUS HF stops sampling the transducers while in the Pause mode. Print This key will cause the VT PLUS HF to print the current data to the printer. The mode and format of the printout is set using the “printer options”...
  • Page 31 Gas Flow Analyzer Keypad Functions pressure/1 Key This key is used to select the “pressure” mode. The pressure mode displays the signal, instantaneous numeric value, and statistical data for the high, low, or airway pressure signal. This key is also the “1” key for numeric data entry. volume/2 Key This key is used to select the “volume”...
  • Page 32 When “zero” is selected, the device measures the zero value of the selected signal for flow measuring. The VT PLUS HF can be set to periodically call the “zero” function. (Refer to Chapter 4, System Setup for Zero Mode Descriptions).

  • Page 33: System Setup

    VT PLUS HF. • System screen contains a menu for choosing options that affect how information on the VT PLUS HF is set up such as time and date. • Utility screen is used for system service and calibration only.

  • Page 34: Settings

    Gas Settings This setting tells the VT PLUS HF what type of gas is flowing through the high- and low- flow ports. The VT PLUS HF uses this information to improve the accuracy of the flow calculations.
  • Page 35 For BALANCE gas settings the oxygen concentration is measured using the VT PLUS HF oxygen sensor located on the high-flow port. If the low- flow port is to be used, allow gas to flow through both the high- and low-...

  • Page 36: Gas Temperature

    4. Press the ENTER soft key to exit back to the menu options, or to cancel the change press the ESCAPE soft key. Note that the VT PLUS HF accepts temperatures between 0 and 99 °C . No decimal values or fractions of a degree are allowed.

  • Page 37: Correction Mode

    VT PLUS HF measurements as a correction factor. The correction is applied as an offset correction. The correction factor is stored in non- volatile memory and is remembered when the VT PLUS HF is turned off then back on.

  • Page 38: Breath Detection

    4. Press the BACK soft key to exit back to the setup menu options. Breath Detect Threshold The VT PLUS HF breath detection algorithm uses a flow rate threshold that the flow must cross to trigger a change in the breath phase. Higher flow rate thresholds yield less...

  • Page 39: Inspiratory Versus Expiratory Tidal Volumes

    4. Press the BACK soft key to exit back to the setup menu options. Zero Mode All of the pressure and differential pressure (flow) sensors in the VT PLUS HF need to be periodically “zeroed” or calibrated to a zero reference. This “zero” function can be set to occur automatically at pre-determined intervals or only when the user requests the function by pressing the key labeled ZERO/7.

  • Page 40: System

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual System Selecting the soft key for SYSTEM causes the VT PLUS HF to display the system selection screen. The soft keys are used as follows: BACK: Return to the previous menu ∧: Move up one menu item ∨:...

  • Page 41: Date

    For example, if the time if 9:05, the user must enter 0905. Date The VT PLUS HF displays the date with the following information: MM is the number between 1 and 12 corresponding to the month. DD is the number between 1 and 31 corresponding to the day of the month.

  • Page 42: Demo Data

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual To change the format, follow these steps: 1. Enter the system screen from the setup menu. 2. Use the ∧ and/or ∨ soft key to highlight the line labeled DATE FORMAT. 3. Press the MODIFY soft key until desired format is displayed.

  • Page 43: Serial Mode

    System Setup 4. Press the BACK soft key to return to menu options. Serial Mode Use this option to control what data is available through the VT PLUS HF serial port. The possible options are: Comp Ctrl Computer Control - Specialized serial communications used by the VT Plus for Windows®...

  • Page 44: Audio Levels

    3. Press BACK to return to menu options. Audio Levels This adjusts the level of sound for the functions of the VT PLUS HF. To adjust the sound, follow these steps: 1. Enter the system screen from the setup menu.
  • Page 45 3. Press BACK to return to menu options. Error When an error is made, the VT PLUS HF signals it with a beep. This option adjusts the sound level of that beep. To adjust the sound level of errors, follow these steps: 1.

  • Page 46: Restore Defaults

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Restore Defaults This returns all values to the factory defaults listed below, but does not change the device calibration. To restore defaults, follow these steps: 1. Enter the system screen from the setup menu. 2. Use the ∧ and/or ∨ soft key to highlight the line labeled RESTORE DEFAULTS.

  • Page 47: Utilities

    Utilities These settings are required for servicing the operations of the VT PLUS HF. This information is for service personnel involved in the technical repair of the VT PLUS HF. Oxygen Calibration Select OXYGEN CALIBRATION to calibrate the oxygen sensor. Refer to Chapter 7 for details on oxygen calibration.

  • Page 48: Linearization

    Operators Manual Linearization This option will be of most use to service personnel repairing the VT PLUS HF. The calibration data for each sensor is stored, so a checksum test can be performed to make sure the sensor data is still valid.

  • Page 49: Display Screens

    9. Units of Measure Screen Objects The screens on the VT PLUS HF comprise a title bar, data plot(s), instantaneous value of plotted data, statistics of plotted data, and selected breath parameters. The following is a description of the meaning and function of each of these screen options.
  • Page 50 (lung simulator) and the Y-piece in the breathing circuit. Uni-directional expired only: Use this breath-detection mode when the VT PLUS HF is analyzing only expired breaths or when the VT PLUS HF is connected in the expired limb of the ventilator breathing circuit.
  • Page 51 Gas Flow Analyzer Medium Filtering: This indicates that the filtering option is turned on and the filter is set to "medium" filtering. In this mode, all of the signals (flow and pressure) have a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) low-pass filter applied. This is used when measuring very "noisy"...
  • Page 52 VT Plus HF Operators Manual INSTANTANEOUS NUMERIC DATA: To the right of each plot, the digital value of the plotted signal is displayed. This value is updated approximately twice a second. This value is the average of the signal over the previous 500 milliseconds. Pressing the soft key labeled UNITS changes the unit of measurement for the displayed signal value.
  • Page 53 The VT PLUS HF calculates 17 breath parameters for every breath. The VT PLUS HF allows the user to select up to four of these parameters that will be displayed with each of the screens. To select which parameters will be displayed for a specific screen, follow these steps: 1.

  • Page 54: High-Flow Screen

    Flow Screens High-Flow Screen The high-flow screen is used to display the signal and statistics for flow in the high-flow port of the VT PLUS HF. Range: Press the soft key below RANGE to change from a low-flow screen to a high-flow screen or back again.

  • Page 55: Low-Flow Screen

    Low-Flow Screen The low-flow screen is used to display the signal and statistics for the flow in the low- flow port of the VT PLUS HF. Range: Press the soft key below RANGE to change from a high-flow screen to a low-flow screen and back again.

  • Page 56: Pressure Screens

    Pressure Screens High-Pressure Screen The high-pressure screen is used to display the signal and statistics for the pressure signal from the high-pressure ports of the VT PLUS HF. Range: Press the soft key below RANGE to change between low pressure, airway pressure, and high-pressure screens.

  • Page 57: Low Pressure Screen

    Gas Flow Analyzer Low Pressure Screen The low-pressure screen is used to display the signal and statistics for the pressure signal from the low-pressure ports of the VT PLUS HF. Range: Press the soft key below RANGE to change between low pressure, airway pressure, and high-pressure screens.

  • Page 58: Airway Pressure Screen

    The airway pressure screen is used to display the signal and statistics for whichever range is currently selected in either the high- or low-flow ports of the VT PLUS HF. This screen is used to measure the pressure in a ventilated test lung. The airway pressure displayed is the airway pressure for the selected high- or low-flow port.

  • Page 59: Volume Screen

    Gas Flow Analyzer Volume Screen The volume screen is used to display the signal and statistics for the volume signal. The volume signal is the integral of the flow signal measured in either the high or low flow ports. The flow port that is integrated is selected by selecting the high- or low-flow range from within the flow screen.

  • Page 60: Oxygen Screen

    The oxygen screen is used to display the signal and statistics for the oxygen sensor. The VT PLUS HF measures oxygen in the high-flow port. If you need to measure oxygen in the low-flow port, make sure that the flow of gas is passed through the high-flow port also to measure oxygen.

  • Page 61: Full Breath Parameters Test Screen

    Gas Flow Analyzer Full Breath Parameters Test Screen The full test screen is used to display all of the breath parameters calculated by the VT PLUS HF. Note that breath detection must be enabled for breath parameters to be calculated. See Chapter 4, System Setup for instructions on enabling breath detection. Trend: Press the soft key below TREND to obtain a printed trend of a single parameter.

  • Page 62: Monitor Screen

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Monitor Screen The monitor screen shows three signals and their corresponding values. Alternatively, the lower signal can be replaced by a set of four breath parameters. The user can select which signals are displayed on the monitor screen.

  • Page 63: Units Of Measure

    Gas Flow Analyzer Units of Measure The VT PLUS HF has the capability to display the above signals and parameters in the following units of measure: Flow lpm – Liters per minute /min – Cubic feet per minute l/sec – Liters per second ml/min –...
  • Page 64 VT Plus HF Operators Manual 5-16...

  • Page 65: Special Functions

    Chapter 6 Special Functions Trend Test Leak Test Stacked Volume Test RT200 Emulation Mode Assist Test High-Frequency Oscillator Mode Trend Test The trend test is used to examine a single breath parameter over an extended period of time. The trend test checks the parameter to see if it deviates beyond the limits set by the user.
  • Page 66 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Use the ∧ and ∨ soft keys to highlight TEST PARAMETER. Press the soft key below MODIFY until the breath parameter you wish to test is displayed. The most recent measurement of the selected parameter will be displayed as the CURRENT VALUE.
  • Page 67 Gas Flow Analyzer To terminate the test, press the soft key below STOP. After the trend test is ended, the following report screen is shown. A sample Trend Test Report is shown on the following page.
  • Page 68 VT Plus HF Operators Manual TREND TEST REPORT...

  • Page 69: Leak Test

    Gas Flow Analyzer Leak Test The VT PLUS HF has a function for testing the leak rate of a sealed vessel or test lung. A leak test can be done using the high pressure, low pressure, or airway pressure signals.
  • Page 70 VT Plus HF Operators Manual To enter the duration of the leak test, press the ∧ and ∨ soft keys to highlight TEST TIME Press the soft key below Press the numeric keys to enter the duration of the MODIFY.
  • Page 71 Gas Flow Analyzer LEAK TEST REPORT Fluke Biomedical Corporation...

  • Page 72: Stacked Volume Test

    Operators Manual Stacked Volume Test The VT PLUS HF has a function for testing the volume of multiple breaths. This function measures how accurate the ventilator is at accumulating volume. To access the stacked volume test function, follow these steps: 1.

  • Page 73: Rt200 Emulation Mode

    Gas Flow Analyzer RT200 Emulation Mode The VT PLUS HF has a function for emulating the RT200 serial port communications. This is used for some ventilator automated test procedures. To set the RT200 emulation mode, change the Serial Mode in the...
  • Page 74 VT Plus HF Operators Manual In the emulation mode, serial (RS232) commands can be sent to the VT PLUS HF in the format of the communication protocol used by the RT200. When a command is received, it is displayed in the space labeled RECEIVED STRING. The command box displays the active command and the units of the command, (F41 3 lit.
  • Page 75 Gas Flow Analyzer The PEAK soft key toggles the RT200 peak-detect mode on and off, for flow and pressure signals. When in peak-detect mode, the peak of the current signal (flow or pressure) is shown for each breath. The RESET soft key resets the RT200 mode, turning off any active functions, and resetting the special functions.

  • Page 76: Assist Test

    To perform an assist test: FULL FULL TEST Press the key to bring up the screen. Connect the ventilator breathing circuit with the VT PLUS HF in the bi- directional measurement configuration. Inspiratory Hose TEST Ventilator VT PLUS HF LUNG...

  • Page 77: High Frequency Oscillator Mode

    (up to 800 bpm). In HFO mode, the VT PLUS HF collects two seconds worth of data at a time. After the data is collected, it is processed to calculate parameters and the first half-second of data is plotted on the display.
  • Page 78 VT Plus HF Operators Manual START AUTO To run the HFO test once press the soft key. The soft key will start the HFO test in automatic mode. In automatic mode the HFO test is run every 15 seconds. STOP...

  • Page 79: Safety, Error Messages, Troubleshooting, And Support

    For safe operation, the main power cord must be plugged into a power outlet that has a protective earth contact to connect the chassis of the VT PLUS HF to ground. Do not use extension cords without earth ground, or a hazardous condition may result.

  • Page 80: Procedure For Calibrating The Oxygen

    Disconnect the power cord before opening the oxygen sensor door. 1. Remove the three screws in the oxygen sensor door on the back of the VT PLUS HF. The oxygen sensor is a round plastic cylinder about one inch in diameter with wires protruding from the back of the sensor.

  • Page 81: Replacing The Fuses

    100 ± 0.1%. 9. Verify that the O Replacing the Fuses The VT PLUS HF's fuse compartment is located on the side panel of the instrument. Figure 7-1. The VT PLUS HF Fuse Compartment To change the fuses: 1.

  • Page 82: Error Messages

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Error Messages Flow Out of Range Occurs if differential pressure for the flow measurement causes a measurement greater than the maximum (or less than the minimum) reading of the analog to digital converter. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Ensure that flow is...
  • Page 83 If using a terminal program, ensure the hardware handshaking is enabled. Ensure that the RS232 cable is the cable supplied with the VT PLUS HF. No Printer Selected Occurs when users try to print with no printer selected.
  • Page 84 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Printer Not Selected Occurs when printer’s select line doesn’t stay high. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Ensure the correct printer type is selected. Refer to your printer's user manual to ensure the printer is setup correctly for the printer language set on the PLUS HF (i.e., HP PCL/3).

  • Page 85: Troubleshooting

    VT PLUS HF display. Blown fuse Replace fuse with one of correct rating as marked on the VT PLUS HF rear panel or as specified in the manual. VT PLUS HF screen Flash program memory not If problem persists, call turns on but is just white.
  • Page 86 Consider using the auto-zero flow reading when flow was mode. actually zero. VT PLUS HF is out of If possible, verify calibration calibration. with a 3-liter calibration syringe. Ensure gas settings are correct. With the VT...
  • Page 87 10 to 30 Condensation on the flow minutes to allow the screen sensors causes a mesh to dry. calibration error on the flow Do not use the VT PLUS HF measurement. with condensing humidified gases. Invalid parameters exist Some parameter values are...
  • Page 88 From the flow screen, ensure observed when flow is selected that the range (low vs. high applied. flow) matches the range depicted on the side panel of the VT PLUS HF for the port where the flow is being applied. 7-10...
  • Page 89 (low vs. high flow) matches the range depicted on the side panel of the VT PLUS HF for the port where the flow is being applied. Pressure is negative Pressure is being applied to...

  • Page 90: Returning The Vt Plus Hf For Service

    E-mail: techservices@flukebiomedical.com Outside the USA: (775)-883-3400 If repairs are required, you will be informed of the location the VT PLUS HF should be shipped. 1. Pack the instrument carefully. Failure to pack the instrument properly could void your warranty. 2. Enclose the following information: •...

  • Page 91: Vt Plus Pc Software

    The VT PLUS HF uses a standard 9-pin serial cable to connect to a PC. Simply plug a serial cable into the RS232 port on the back of the VT PLUS HF and into an unused serial (com) port on your PC.

  • Page 92: Installing The Software

    VT Plus group. Starting the Software With the software installed and the VT PLUS HF connected, you are ready to start the software application. The first time the software is used, the application will attempt to establish communications with the VT PLUS HF.

  • Page 93: Overview Of Vt Plus For Windows  Software

    It should be noted that opening the VT Plus for Windows® multiple times would also cause the same error message. Finally, if the communication port for the VT PLUS HF needs to be manually set or changed, start VT Plus for Windows® and select COMMUNICATIONS | COMM PORT from the pull down menu.
  • Page 94 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Menu Tool Bar Statistics Area Plot Area Screen Tabs Status Bar Selected Flow Port Correction Mode Zeroing Mode Selected File \ System Messages...

  • Page 95: Menus And The Toolbar

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Menus and the Toolbar Pull-down Menus  Like all Windows programs, VT Plus for Windows provides you with a menu for easy access to the program’s functions. A brief description of the software’s menu structure follows.
  • Page 96 The signal units function brings up a dialog box for entering the desired units for the signals. See Signal Selection under the Plots section of this chapter. Print Header: The print header function sets the print header in the VT PLUS HF. See the Printing section in this chapter. Help:...

  • Page 97: Toolbar Description

    This button gives you quick access to the print functions. Click this and the printer dialog appears. Zeroing button: This button forces the VT PLUS HF unit to zero immediately. For more information, see the Zeroing section. Clear Statistic button: This button forces the VT PLUS HF to clear a selected statistic or all of them.

  • Page 98: Screens And Tests

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Screens and Tests Main Screens VT Plus for Windows® has seven main screens. You may switch between displayed screens by selecting the appropriate file tab on the bottom of the screen. Monitor Screen: The Monitor Screen allows you to observe three of the signals at the same time.

  • Page 99: Single Plot Screen

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Single Plot Screen: The Single Plot Screen allows you to observe one of the signals. The plot can be configured to display any of the signals, (flow, volume, airway pressure, low pressure, high pressure, and oxygen). This plot can be set to auto-scale or it can be manually re-scaled to the user's desired range of values.

  • Page 100: Loop Plots Screen

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Loop Plots Screen: This screen shows plots of Flow vs. Volume and Volume vs. Airway Pressure. These plots can be independently re-scaled either automatically or manually. Controls on the right-hand side of the screen can be used to control the appearance of the loop plots.

  • Page 101: Full Test

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Full Test: The Full-Test screen displays the calculated parameters for the last breath. These parameters are only updated when a new breath occurs. A "*****" value means that value is invalid or could not be calculated. Depending on your breath-detect mode some parameters can't be calculated.

  • Page 102: Trend Test

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Trend Test Overview: The trend test is used for monitoring a single-breath parameter over an extended period of time. Each time a breath occurs, the chosen breath parameter is compared to an initial value. If it exceeds the percent limit, given for the test, an incident is reported.
  • Page 103 Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Figure 8-7A: Trend Test screen Figure 8-7B: Trend Test screen 8-13...
  • Page 104 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Figure 8-7C: Trend Test screen 8-14...

  • Page 105: Leak-Test Screen

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Leak-Test Screen Overview: The leak test is for measuring the leak rate of a sealed vessel or test lung over a period of time. Starting the Leak Test: The leak test gives you the chance to choose the pressure channel you want to run the test on.
  • Page 106 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Figure 8-8A: Leak Test screen Figure 8-8B: Leak Test screen 8-16...

  • Page 107: Stacked Volume Test

    Click the START button to begin testing. Running the Stacked Volume Test: When the stacked volume test begins, the VT PLUS HF will switch into "Inspiratory Only" breath-detect mode. At the end of the test, the breath-detect mode will be restored to its previous state. The stacked volume test reports five values to the user.
  • Page 108 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Figure 8-9A: Stacked Volume Test screen Figure 8-9B: Stacked Volume Test screen 8-18...

  • Page 109: Serial Communications

    Serial Communications Selecting COM Port The VT PLUS HF communicates with your PC through a serial (COM) port. If the VT PLUS HF is connected to your computer and turned on when the software is started, the software will automatically detect which COM port the VT PLUS HF is on and then initiate communications between the VT PLUS HF and your PC.

  • Page 110: Data And File Handling

    Signals are the raw flow, pressure, and volume time-series waveforms. Parameters are the breath-by-breath ventilator parameters calculated by the VT PLUS HF device. Events are information placed into the data files by the user. VT Plus for Windows® provides an interface for the user to mark events during data collection.

  • Page 111: Opening And Closing Data Files

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Opening and Closing Data Files The file menu has two options for opening data files. 1. SAVE DATA FILE opens data for recording. 2. You may also use the save to file button on the toolbar. The file may either be a new or an existing file.

  • Page 112: File Control Interface

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual File Control Interface The File Control Interface is a sub-screen used for recording, annotating, and playback of data files. You can bring up the File Control Interface by selecting the file control button on the toolbar, or by selecting FILE CONTROLS from the file menu bar.
  • Page 113 The number shown is the time in CONTROL milliseconds (ms) between waveform samples. The data sample rate for the VT PLUS HF is 20 ms. Therefore, a number larger than 20 will result in slower-than-normal playback and smaller numbers will yield a fast playback speed.
  • Page 114 VT Plus HF Operators Manual Event Markers Event markers have been provided to assist you during data collection. There are two events that you (the user) can place into the file: TIME STAMP . During file recording these events will appear in the...

  • Page 115: Generating Signal (.Sig) Files

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software File Information Panel The File Information Panel of the File Controls Interface is shown below. Figure 8-13: File Information Panel The first line in the information box contains the open file name. The next line is the time that the file was first created.

  • Page 116: Printing

    This does not bring up the print dialog. The report is automatically sent to the default system printer. The print header that appears at the top of the reports is stored in the VT PLUS HF. It is  loaded into the VT Plus for Windows Software every time it connects to a VT PLUS HF unit.

  • Page 117: Plots

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Plots Automatically Re-scaling Plots  By default, the VT Plus for Windows software will attempt to re-scale plots so that the entire plot is visible to you. When a re-scale occurs, the high- and low-ranges on the plots are determined by the min and max statistics for the signal shown on the plot.

  • Page 118: Manually Re-Scaling Plots

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Manually Re-scaling Plots If you want to specify a specific range to view on a plot, you can do this easily in one of two ways. 4. Select SCALING and MANUAL SCALE from the plot’s menu bar. Then click on the preferred plot.

  • Page 119: Signal Selection

    Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Signal Selection The three plots on the monitor screen and the plot on the single plot screen can be set up to display any of the signals flow, volume, airway pressure, low pressure, high pressure, or oxygen.

  • Page 120: Zeroing

    When the VT PLUS HF is in manual zero mode, no automatic zeros will occur. Periodically, it is a good idea to zero the signals on the VT PLUS HF to null any offset errors in the flow and pressure sensors.

  • Page 121: Other Setup Functions

    SETUP menu, and click the preferred option. Breath Detect Threshold The VT PLUS HF breath detection algorithm uses a flow rate threshold that the flow must cross to trigger a change in the breath phase. Higher flow rate thresholds yield less sensitive breath detection.

  • Page 122: Gas Settings

    Operators Manual Gas Settings The VT PLUS HF can compensate for the effects of gas temperature, viscosity, molecular weight, and relative humidity, on flow measurement, as well as correct flow calculations to one of several standard conditions. The Gas Settings option gives you access to these settings.
  • Page 123 Gas Flow Analyzer VT Plus PC Software Figure 8-22: Advanced Gas Setting Dialog Box Note: If you don’t know the viscosity or molecular weight of the gas you are using, click the GAS CALCULATOR button. 8-33...

  • Page 124: Gas Calculator

    VT Plus HF Operators Manual Gas Calculator The gas calculator allows you to calculate the viscosity and molecular weight of a gas mixture. One gas serves as a balance gas. This means that the percentage of this gas is automatically adjusted to insure that the total percentage of gases totals 100%. To change which gas is the balance gas, click the radio button to the left of the gas’s name.

  • Page 125: Barometric Pressure

    The VT PLUS HF automatically calculates the barometric pressure to within 2% of full scale. To give greater accuracy, the VT PLUS HF allows the user to calibrate the barometric pressure offset by entering the local barometric pressure into the system. The entered value is used to calibrate the system's barometric pressure offset during future use.
  • Page 126 VT Plus HF Operators Manual 8-36...

  • Page 127: Appendix A Specifications

    8. Calculated breath parameters High Flow The VT PLUS HF has a high-flow (± 300 LPM), bi-directional flow measurement. Flow measurements can be either static flows (no breath variations) or ventilator waveforms (i.e., both an expiratory and an inspiratory phase). The flow measurement is made using a differential pressure drop across a resistive screen mesh.
  • Page 128 Operators Manual Low Flow The VT PLUS HF has a low-flow (± 25 LPM), bi-directional flow measurement. The flow measurements can be either static (no breath variations) or ventilator waveforms (i.e., both an expiratory and an inspiratory phase). Flow measurements are made using a differential pressure drop across a resistive screen mesh.
  • Page 129 Gas Flow Analyzer Specifications Calculated Breath Parameters From the primary flow and pressure measurements, the VT PLUS HF is designed to calculate the following parameters: • Tidal volume • Minute volume • Breath rate • Inspiratory to expiratory time ratio (I:E ratio) •...
  • Page 130 VT Plus HF Operators Manual 2. General Specifications Operating Environmental Conditions Temperature Range.................... 10 to 40 °C Ambient Humidity 0 - 80% non-condensing to 31 °C, decreasing to 50% at 40 °C Barometric Pressure ...................8 to 18 psia Vibration......Device is intended to be used on tabletop or other stable surface.
  • Page 131 Sample rate ....................... 100 Hz Note: Airway pressure is internally tapped off the proximal flow sensor port, which is the port closest to the exhaust port on the VT PLUS HF. High-Flow Port Maximum Flow Rate (absolute value)...............500 lpm Operating Flow Range ...................± 300 lpm Accuracy ......................
  • Page 132 Flow accuracy is specified for dry air or oxygen • Do not use with humidified gases • Below 0.25 lpm, measurement accuracy is obtained by allowing the VT Plus HF to fully warm up, and manually zeroing before reading or documenting a measurement.
  • Page 133 Gas Flow Analyzer Specifications Breath Parameter Accuracy Specifications Note: If a choice of readings is indicated by an “or”, choose whichever is greater; for example, 3% or 250 ml, whichever is greater. Parameter Resolution Range Accuracy Inspiratory and Expiratory Tidal 0.1 ml As specified in As specified in...
  • Page 134 VT Plus HF Operators Manual...

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