A Portable ECG Recorder for Shipboard Use
Abstract
In 1976, the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL), Groton, Connecticut, initiated the development of an interactive, computer-based medical diagnostic/information system (MEDIC) that would serve as a medical consultant to the Independent Duty Corpsman. The system was designed for use on submarines where such common tools as x-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs) are not available. During the development of the Navy's chest pain diagnostic program. it became clear that ECG data would Improve the accuracy of diagnosis of a myocardial event and improve the corpsman's ability to treat such patients. Existing ECG recorders were too large to be used aboard submarines and lacked transmission capability. After evaluating many ECG systems, Marquette Electronics, the supplier of the MAC-II ECG recorder being used as part of the Tri-Service Medical Information System's (TRIMIS) Computer Assisted Processing of Cardiograms (CAPOC) program, was asked to develop a small portable ECG machine that could provide data for input to the MEDIC system. To meet this requirement, Marquette extensively redesigned their standard MAC-II recorder, and in November 1985 delivered a 12 x 8 x 4 inch recorder that weighed just under 12 pounds. The recorder can record on 12 channels, is battery operated, prints ECG tracings with full diagnostic interpretation, can transmit the tracings to the CAPOC system through a modem, and can store up to 50 ECG tracings. Feedback from the submarine community has been favorable. In addition to its intended uses by the Navy, the MAC-PC can be used in such places as ambulances, emergency medical vehicles, and physician's offices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA446563
Entities
People
- Bernard L. Ryack
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory