An architecture for the automatic acquisition of vital signs by clinical information systems.

An architecture is presented which provides clinical information systems with access to vital sign information from medical devices. Middleware components encapsulate details of communicating with devices whilst adoption of de facto and international standards maximizes interoperability with client software. An application in routine clinical use is described.

A practical method of serial bedside measurement of cerebral blood flow and metabolism during neurointensive care.

Acute encephalopathy is a major cause of death and neurological handicap in children. The principle aims of treatment are to provide adequate cerebral blood flow for the brain's metabolic needs and to prevent intracranial pressure rising above the level at which brain herniation occurs. Rational management requires an understanding of the pathophysiological changes in cerebral blood flow and metabolism which occur.

A system for peri-operative blood glucose control in diabetes mellitus.

A pocket computer has been programmed to control the rate of administration of insulin given to diabetic patients having open heart surgery. Twelve diabetic patients were studied. Five had coronary artery bypass grafting, and seven had heart valve surgery.

Diabetes mellitus and open heart surgery. A simple, practical closed-loop insulin infusion system for blood glucose control.

A method, based on bedside determinations of blood glucose by nursing staff, was designed to control the administration of insulin to diabetic patients during and following open heart surgery. A computer-controlled intravenous infusion pump was used to deliver the insulin. Excellent control of the hyperglycaemia normally associated with open heart surgery was achieved, with 84 percent of measured blood glucose values falling within 2 mmol/litre of the target value of 6 mmol/litre.

Practical closed-loop insulin infusion.

A method was designed to control the insulin infusion given to diabetic patients at the time of open-heart surgery. Excellent control of the blood glucose concentration was achieved, with eighty-four percent of blood glucose values falling between 4 and 8 mmol/l.