10.1 – Introduction

Chapter 10 will begin by discussing wireless communication of biomedical devices before moving on to describing patients monitors and how to troubleshoot them. Radio frequency (RF) wireless medical devices perform at least one function that utilizes wireless RF communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular/mobile phone to support health care delivery. Examples of functions that can utilize wireless technology include controlling and programming a medical device, monitoring patients remotely, or transferring patient data from the medical device to another platform such as a cell phone. As RF wireless technology continues to evolve, this technology will increasingly be incorporated into the design of medical devices.

Patient monitors were appropriately named as they do exactly what the name implies: they are a monitor that displays patient information. Collecting vital signs is an integral part of most, if not all, departments in a hospital. Whether you are delivering a baby, going in for surgery or being admitted to the emergency room, medical personnel need to have information regarding your physiological state. Although many different pieces of information can be found on patient monitors there are a few metrics that are commonly displayed including: heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels.

Lets read on through this chapter to learn more about these two concepts.