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Fontanometer and its Benefits

By Gareth Thompson

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 11Feb2012
Word count: 524
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A Fontanometer can be presented as an altered copy of the Schiotz tonometer. This medical device is used for guesstimating the comparative state of intracranial pressure in an infant. The standardization and a more accurate value is understood in a better way only after a much larger series of eases has been studied, and evaluations are performed on the basis of direct, simultaneous quantification of intraventricular pressures with the help of a manometer.

For the period in-between, in spite of the fact that explicit quantitative values cannot be attributed to the present readings, the instrument is proffered as an undemanding and easy clinical method of calculating intracranial pressure in infants without any resorting to ventricular on spinal puncture. A Fontanometer is, therefore, designed so as to make non-invasive measurement of ICP in infants through the use of the principle relating to applantation of the fontanelle.

A high frequency response provided by the Fontanometers presents a good and helpful display of respiratory and pulse pressure waves. The product has been into medical use for significant number of years. Moreover, the balloon featured by the sensor allows the baseline to be checked by equalizing the pressure below and above the sensor in situ. Above all, the instrument can be sterilized easily by the way of cold aqueous solutions of detergicide (like Cidex) or even by ethylene oxide gas. It is advisory to be cautious and not use sodium hypochlorite solution.

The main specifications of a Fontanometer include:

Sensor is one of the important features including a metal diaphragm inclusive of directly deposited resistive strain gauges. Excitation standardized for a Fontanometer vitiates 5V AC r.m.s - 1VDC. Bridge resistance. Sensitivity. Linear pressure range. Compensates temperature range. Temperature co-efficient of zero. Temperature co-efficient of sensitivity. Linearity and hysteresis error. Overpressure. Catheter, made form flexible silicone rubber. Connector.

The main benefits involved in using a Fontanometer lie in its being highly non-invasive while measuring ICP in infants. Another important advantage of a Fontanometer is its compatibility with most strain gauge pressure monitors involving the use of extension lead type EL-1, with the proper connector, fitted by the customer. Besides, the Fontanometers are also safe to use for they can be sterilized thus mitigating the chances of infections.

The Fontanometers have congregated the need of a reliable, continuous, and regular non-insidious monitoring in infants who are at a risk of developing RICP in addition to those who already have an increased pressure. Moreover, it contains an electronically inactive implant and can identify proximal shunt malfunction if positioned in line.

The Use of Fontanometers

The use of Fontanometers, the usual full term neonatal full-term ICP by means of fontanometry has been confirmed to be approximately 7.4mmHG, which differs significantly from the common range of neonatal lumbar CSF pressures. The use of a Fontanometer allows CSF drainage to be conducted on a limited basis while the ICP remains high in spite of the therapy.

A Fontanometer, therefore, helps in continuous monitoring that produces large amounts of raw data, which needs to be interpreted carefully.

Visit Gaeltec which features specifications of miniature pressure sensors, intracranial pressure sensors and other medical pressure measurement equipment including fontanelle applanation.

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