21Mar

Tensiometers: what are they, what role do they have in hypertension and what types are there?

March 21, 2023 equimed 73

Regular blood pressure measurement with sphygmomanometers is essential for the detection of arterial hypertension and accurate long-term monitoring of blood pressure.

These devices, whether manual or digital, are the most commonly used to measure blood pressure, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we are going to learn more about high blood pressure, how to detect it, what blood pressure monitors and sphygmomanometers are, and the most modern devices on the market to measure blood pressure.

What is hypertension?

Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease characterized by a sustained elevation of blood pressure above the values considered normal.

This condition affects a large number of people around the world and is considered one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, cerebrovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease.

High blood pressure is a condition in which blood pressure is higher than what is considered normal.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed in two values: the systolic value (the pressure when the heart contracts) and the diastolic value (the pressure when the heart relaxes between contractions). Normal blood pressure is almost always between diastolic (90/60 mmHg) and systolic (120/80 mmHg).

When blood pressure rises above these values, a person is considered to have high blood pressure. In general, arterial hypertension is considered when blood pressure values are above 140/90 mmHg in three or more measurements taken at different times.

Accurate monitoring of arterial hypertension with blood pressure monitors

Measuring blood pressure regularly and long-term over time allows us to accurately monitor arterial hypertension.

This can be done in the doctor’s office, at home, or by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

ABPM is a technique that allows blood pressure to be measured throughout the day and all night, while the person performs their usual activities . To perform it, an automatic blood pressure monitor is placed on a bracelet that is worn on the arm for 24 hours.

The blood pressure monitor automatically inflates the cuff from time to time (usually every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night) and records blood pressure.

This is a very useful technique because it can help identify blood pressure patterns and detect possible changes in blood pressure at different times of the day.

How to detect arterial hypertension: the sphygmomanometer

The detection of high blood pressure is done by measuring blood pressure .

This process is performed with a device called a tensiometer or sphygmomanometer, which can be manual or digital. Thus, it is a medical instrument that is used to indirectly measure blood pressure; this measurement is normally made in mm Hg.

Differences between manual and digital blood pressure monitors

Manual sphygmomanometers have a cuff that is placed around the arm and inflated with a rubber bulb.

A stethoscope is used to listen to sounds from the brachial artery in the elbow while air is slowly released from the cuff. Automatic sphygmomanometers, on the other hand, work with an inflatable cuff that is placed around the arm. The cuff is automatically inflated and blood pressure is measured electronically. The results are displayed on a digital screen.

Types of blood pressure monitor

In the market we can find several types but the most common are manual and digital / automatic.

Manual sphygmomanometers: mercury and aneroid

Manual sphygmomanometers can be mercury or aneroid.

As their own name indicates, they use mercury to measure blood pressure . It is the most traditional sphygmomanometer and the one with the highest precision without the need to calibrate it, but its use is declining due to the environmental and health risks associated with this heavy metal.
Aneroid or analog sphygmomanometers use an aneroid capsule to measure blood pressure with a needle that is pushed by internal springs. These sphygmomanometers also require the use of a stethoscope in order to listen to the patient’s pulse.

In both cases, they have the disadvantage that they only work correctly with the appropriate cuff for each patient, so the same cuff cannot be used for a child as for an adult. In addition, they need training and technical training for a correct measurement of blood pressure.

Digital blood pressure monitors

Digital sphygmomanometers can be:

Arm.They are more accurate and are commonly used in medical settings.
Wrist. They are more portable and may be more convenient for long-term monitoring at home.

They work in the same way: the cuff inflates and deflates automatically and shows the results obtained on its screen.

Also called an oscillometric, the digital sphygmomanometer makes oscillometric measurements, so the use of a stethoscope is not necessary.

These devices to measure blood pressure electronically are very easy to use and that is why they have become popular in homes.

Digital sphygmomanometers are not affected by surrounding noise, speeding up blood pressure measurements without complications in emergency settings and with a high number of patients.

Equimed digital blood pressure monitors

At Equimed we work with various digital sphygmomanometer equipment .

Our devices feature fast, accurate reading capture with the same enhanced Sure BP technology found in Welch Allyn vital signs devices.

Blood pressure cuff digital ProBP™ 2000

With this blood pressure monitor, just press a button for fast blood pressure readings, thanks to SureBP® technology and FlexiPort® push-fit cuff connectors.

ProBP™ 2000 is compatible with ECOCUFF cuffs , single-patient cuffs that allow up to 100 measurements per patient. They also help prevent cross contamination.

Features

Display Elements
Liquid crystal display (LCD) displays systolic blood pressure (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), pulse rate (bpm) and heartbeat while taking blood pressure measurements, excess alert motion, alarm priority and battery charge level.

Accuracy with SureBP Technology
Our inflation-based algorithm is used in all Welch Allyn vital signs equipment, helping healthcare professionals in any setting take fast, accurate, automated blood pressure readings.

FlexiPort Blood Pressure Cuff Technology
They are available in various sizes to accommodate a wider range of patient populations.

Reliable, fast and comfortable
Allows healthcare professionals full confidence in the results, with a 97% completion rate in the presence of motion. It captures readings in approximately 20 seconds and these blood pressure readings are taken more comfortably during inflation.

Blood pressure cuff digital Connex ProBP 3400

This blood pressure monitor also captures fast, accurate readings, right from the palm of your hand, with the same enhanced SureBP technology found in Welch Allyn vital signs devices.

Plus, it connects to the EMR medical record system, both via Bluetooth wireless technology (optional) and USB connections, reducing documentation errors and improving efficiency.

Its compact design facilitates its transport and the capture of readings either in rounds or in triage, obtaining reliable readings and minimizing error codes, even with the presence of movement or a weak pulse.

“These digital sphygmomanometers make it easier and more confident to take blood pressure readings from these digital devices, a smart choice for clinicians in any setting.”

23Jan

Guide to learn about hearing examination and otoscopes

January 23, 2023 equimed 122

Otoscopes are essential medical devices for auditory examination, that essential medical procedure to assess hearing function and detect pathologies in the ear.

It is a safe and non-invasive procedure used to determine a person’s hearing level and detect any problems in the ear.

In this sense, there are several tests and pathologies of the auditory examination, each one with a specific focus on the evaluation of the auditory function.

One of the most common tests is audiometry, which measures a person’s ability to hear sounds of different pitches and volumes.

Impedance testing is another test used to assess eardrum function and the ear’s ability to transmit sounds. Tympanometry is a procedure that uses a small device to measure the mobility of the eardrum.

And finally, otoscopy is a basic examination that uses the otoscope so that the doctor can examine the patient’s ear efficiently.

In this article we are going to learn more about what otoscopes are, as well as their features, the types that exist and which one to choose .

What is an otoscope

An otoscope is a light beam medical instrument used to examine the ear. That is to say: a device that helps to visualize and examine the condition of the ear canal and eardrum.

Through this examination, we can find out the cause of some symptoms such as pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear or hearing loss.

It is a device widely used by general practitioners and otolaryngologists.

There are different types of otoscopes, each with specific characteristics and used in different clinical situations.

Types of otoscopes and their characteristics

With this device, the different structures of the auditory system and in particular the external canal of the eardrum are analyzed. Now, there are different types of otoscopes:

1. Halogen otoscopes
They are the most common. In the halogen otoscope, the bulb is in the head and focuses the light directly into the canal. It features a variety of interchangeable inspection tips. The otoscope’s lens allows the inside of the ear to be seen, while the light illuminates the area so the doctor can see any problems.

2. Fiber optic otoscopes
These are similar to halogen otoscopes, but have a mechanism that automatically adjusts the illumination according to the darkness of the ear canal. This helps minimize eye strain and improve exam accuracy. Also, your field of vision is completely clear and the lighting is excellent, with no shadows or reflections. The light source is located in the handle and not in the head.

3. Video otoscopes
These are the most advanced and are used to provide a real-time image of the ear with great efficiency. These instruments include a camera and monitor to allow better visualization of the ear canal. This is especially useful in cases where a detailed evaluation of the ear is required, such as when there are infections or injuries. By having a large HD screen, the field of vision is increased in addition to offering additional comfort at the visual level. Some even allow you to record the viewing.

4. LED Otoscope
In them the power of the light is much higher since it is of the LED type. They also guarantee low consumption, great autonomy, and it is not necessary to charge the battery frequently.

Medical advances in otoscopes

As for medical advances in otoscopes, the development of video and LED lighting technologies have enabled otoscopes to provide sharper and more detailed images of the ear.

In addition, wireless and smartphone-connected otoscopes have entered the healthcare sector with great force, allowing physicians to share images with other healthcare professionals and track patient visits. This helps improve collaboration between clinicians and increases diagnostic accuracy.

Technological advances have also enabled the development of digital otoscopes, which use image sensors to capture images of the ear and store them in a database for later review. This is especially useful for following a patient’s progress over time and detecting any changes in ear health.

Finally, the introduction of fiberoptic otoscopes, which use a fiberoptic light beam to illuminate the ear, allow for a safer and more efficient procedure than traditional otoscopes, since they do not emit heat and do not require an external power source.

Equimed otoscopes

At Equimed we distribute medical equipment and its consumables, betting on cutting-edge technology from the leading brands in the medical, clinical and surgical sector. And otoscopes are no exception.

As we said, examining the structure of the ears is a temporary but critical part of the physical examination. That’s why we’ve listened to countless providers and redesigned our otoscopes to improve examinations.

In this way, we have two of the most advanced otoscopes on the market: the MacroView Plus otoscope and the 3.5V diagnostic otoscope.

MacroView Plus Otoscope

The new MacroView Plus otoscope features bright, long-lasting white LED technology , maintaining illumination for the duration of one battery charge without changing color when dimmed.

Redesigned with a familiar shape and feel, with a viewing area 3 times larger compared to the view of a standard otoscope, its features include:

LumiView Clear: With our new Welch Allyn LumiView Clear single use clear optical specula, we can enjoy views up to 8 times brighter than those seen through a black ear specula.

Switch from optical to digital: By adding the Welch Allyn Examiner SmartBracket we can transform an optical examination to digital, thanks to the possibility of capturing photos and videos.

3.5V diagnostic otoscope

This high-quality traditional otoscope , with a variety of illumination options, features HPX halogen illumination and fiber optics at the distal end for easy examination. Of its characteristics we highlight:

Fiber Optic: Projects cool light to the distal tip, without reflections or obstructions, for optimal visualization of the tympanic membrane.
Wide angle lens: Allows instrumentation under optical magnification. It is available with a SureColor LED or HPX halogen (high pressure xenon) bulb.
Sealed system: For pneumatic otoscopy and the diagnosis of otitis media.

Hearing examination is an essential medical procedure to assess hearing function and detect pathologies in the ear. To carry it out successfully, otoscopes are crucial and have undergone significant advances in terms of technology and connectivity . These advances have allowed for better precision in the diagnosis and treatment of ear pathologies and greater efficiency in medical practice.

02Dec

Transformation of digital visualization in ophthalmological examinations

December 2, 2022 equimed 80

Ophthalmology has been adopting new technologies in many fields of study and research. Technological advances in this field of health progress almost daily. And as a result of this, today we can count on, among other things, the visual digitization of ophthalmological examinations.

We want to talk about all of this in this post.

What is an ophthalmoscope

Along with optotypes and the slit lamp, the ophthalmoscope is the basic instrument of the ophthalmologist.

Specifically, the ophthalmoscope is a medical instrument, made up of several lenses and mirrors, which allows us to directly examine the retina. Its elements illuminate the interior of the eye through the pupil and the crystalline lens, managing to see the normal and pathological conditions of the fundus.

What is the ophthalmological examination?

Sight is one of the most important senses. However, specialists agree that it is one of the least cared for and reviewed, since most people only go to the optician and/or ophthalmologist when they have some discomfort or vision problem. In fact, a good part of the population has never had an ophthalmological examination.

In ophthalmological check-ups, the medical specialist performs a series of tests to check the health of the eyes, such as:

Visual acuity test
It is the most common to check how our eyesight is based on the smallest letters that we can read at a certain distance.

Anterior Pole Slit Lamp Biomicroscopic Examination
To explore the most anterior areas of the eye such as the cornea, iris, conjunctiva, anterior chamber, and palpebral structures.

Examination of the fundus of the eye with dilation of the pupils
It allows diagnosing ocular problems such as retinal detachment, retinal thrombosis or age-related macular degeneration.

Tonometry
To measure the pressure or tension in the eye. It is a key test to detect possible glaucoma.

Visual field test
Very specific and sporadic, it is performed above all to monitor patients with glaucoma.

What is looked for with an ophthalmoscopy?

With ophthalmoscopy we seek to know the state of vision, detecting identifiable alterations or diseases through tests such as those mentioned below:

Retinopathies
hemorrhages
ocular melanomas
abnormal pigmentations
new blood vessels
macular degeneration
optic nerve problems
Retinal detachment

Types of ophthalmoscopes

With the technological evolution, and after the gradual improvements made to the ophthalmoscope, two types of ophthalmoscope arose: direct and indirect.

Direct ophthalmoscope

It is the best known. It is a small device, even portable, that the doctor puts right in front of his eye, and approaches the patient’s eye to examine it. The light is reflected at a right angle and is projected through the iris illuminating the retina, being able to magnify the image of the eye up to 15 times. The image is viewed directly, without inverting. With it, small areas of the retina can be examined more easily.

Indirect ophthalmoscope

It is a kind of lighted helmet with two visors. In this way, the specialist has his hands free to be able to hold different lenses during the examination. An indirect and inverted image of the eye is achieved. And although it is heavier and difficult to handle, it is possible to see the retina better since by using both eyes we obtain a three-dimensional image, and with a much wider field.

How is the ophthalmoscope used?

Thanks to the emitted light, we are able to visualize the fundus of the eye, which is why this procedure must be done in a dimly lit or dimly lit room.

When performing ophthalmoscopy, the patient has to look at a fixed point on the wall. The health professional will aim the ophthalmoscope at the eye. Thus, he will be able to explore the different parts that make up the interior of the eyeball. Typically, the procedure can take five to ten minutes.

Ophthalmology: from the optical to the digital

Ophthalmology has become another of the sectors that has benefited the most from the advancement of digital technologies . And it is that as mobile technology advances, ophthalmologists can offer better care to patients, for example with telemedicine consultations for a better workflow, more personalized attention and a better experience.

In addition to telehealth, digital innovations and research are transforming ophthalmology. Some of them are:

The evolution of machine vision
Retinal implants with chips or stem cells
intraocular telescope
Cortical or brain implants
Gene therapy
Optogenetics
3D printing
nanotechnology
silicon artificial retinas
Digitization of ophthalmology

Smartphone and app-based digitized ophthalmic imaging systems have boosted ophthalmology and its accessibility, making it easier for ophthalmologists to improve patients’ vision and preserve their sight, and helping them diagnose keratoconus, improve visual acuity, and treat glaucoma.

In this way, one of the great technological advances in the field of Ophthalmology is the digitalization of processes. What do we mean specifically ? To be able to go, with these devices, from the optical to the digital in a few clicks, thus expanding their capabilities. For example, through applications such as iExaminer Pro we can capture and send images of the eyes and ears for follow-up, trend analysis and easy consultation with specialists. With digitized ophthalmoscopes, we can instantly capture both photos and videos, store them and consult them whenever we want.

In addition, at Equimed we have two of the devices that are already digitized to take this field to a new level : the PanOptic Plus ophthalmoscope and the 3.5V coaxial ophthalmoscope.

Digitized ophthalmology devices: features and benefits

The act of examining the structure of the eyes and ears is a critical process in the physical examination. For this reason, it is mandatory to innovate and investigate to redesign devices such as otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes and thus be able to improve examinations.

The device that results from this cutting-edge technological innovation is the Welch Allyn PanOptic Plus ophthalmoscope , to which we can add the Welch Allyn iExaminer SmartBracket, equipped with our iExaminer app, and transform optical examination to digital to capture photos and videos. This patented Welch Allyn coaxial viewing system makes ophthalmoscopy easier, providing easier access of light to the eye, a wider field of view, and reduced reflections compared to standard ophthalmoscopes.

PanOptic Plus Oftalmoscope

This state-of-the-art wide-view ophthalmoscope is equipped with long -life LED lamps and DuraShock technology , is compatible with 3.5V power sources or the Lithium-Ion Plus Power Controller for increased efficiency, and among its features stand out:

20x Viewing Area
A 20x larger viewing area compared to that seen through a standard ophthalmoscope.

Quick Eye Alignment
This alignment technology helps direct the patient’s gaze and achieve better optic disc alignment.

Long-lasting LED illumination
Reduces the need for lamp replacement.

Experts in medical equipment

At Equimed we have a large team of experts in ophthalmoscopy and other elements of medical equipment . If you need more information and personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact us.