• Real-time fluid deficit monitoring. This means the system can measure
fluid inflow against collected fluid. Ms. Wilson points out that "just
because a bag of saline says it contains 3,000 cc doesn't mean it's
exactly 3,000 cc. "Just as with suction canisters, there's an accept-
able range of variation," she says. To decipher the difference in what
the suction canister and what the fluid bag hold, you can measure
the weight of the fluid or refer to the markings on the container,
says Ms. Wilson. Automatic flow rate adjustment provides constant
pressure for even distention.
• Clear intraoperative visibility. Surgeons appreciate a clear display of
real-time monitoring and fluid-deficit readings throughout the proce-
dure.
• Simple touch-screen setup and operation. "As with all technology, some
systems are easier to use than others," says Ms. Wilson. "Set-up time,
ease of use and accuracy of the system are important to the success-
ful use of a fluid management system."
• Continual irrigation capacity. This lets you change fluid bags and can-
isters without interrupting the surgical procedure. "The ability to
easily add bags of fluid and change collection canisters without
stopping the procedure is vital for both nurses and surgeons to use
the system consistently," says Ms. Wilson.
• Alarms. It's a good safety feature to have configurable alarms for
perforation, deficit and pressure.
Under- and over-hydration
There is continuing debate with regard to the volume and the type of
fluid you should administer. Too little fluid is associated with hypoten-
sion, impaired tissue oxygenation and inadequate organ profusion.
Fluid overload, on the other hand, is associated with interstitial
edema and cardiopulmonary complications. A probable reason for
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