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V1410 / V1412 User Manual
Blood Pressure Basics
An anesthetized patient's blood pressure should be regularly monitored. The V1410 / V1412 Patient
Monitor uses the oscillometric method to obtain systolic, diastolic, and mean non-invasive blood
pressure measurements.
Most text books advise maintaining systolic blood pressure (SAP) at or above 90 mmHg and mean
arterial blood pressure (MAP) above 70 mmHg. The trend of the MAP is usually the focus of concern.
It is recommended to take several readings over time. Discard the first and average the next 3 to 7
consecutive readings for the most accurate report. It is important to keep the patient relaxed and still.
The owner may need to assist in calming the patient for best results. Multiple measurements may be
necessary to achieve accurate results if significant movement of the patient occurs while the
measurements are being taken. Eliminate any outlier readings that will distort the average readings.
The chosen cuff size is crucial in obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements. For dogs, the
cuff width should be approximately 40% of the appendage circumference. For cats the cuff width
should be approximately 30% of the appendage circumference. Cuffs that are too wide will lead to
false low readings and cuffs that are too narrow will lead to false high readings.
Cuff location is also crucial in obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements. The limb being
cuffed should be at heart level in lateral or sternal recumbency (see illustration below). For smaller
animals, the cuff should be distal to the elbow on the forelimb or around the midmetatarsus distal to
the stifle on the hind limb. The base of the tail can also be a valid position to measure blood pressure.
In larger animals, possible locations include the metacarpus, metatarsus, and distal tibia just above
the tarsus.
<Forelimb Placement>
68
<Hind Limb Placement>
<Base of Tail Placement>
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