TREND

FAQ

This section lists the more common questions our customers have. If you have a question you would like answered that does not appear below then please email us. We are happy to help!

Q. Can data be sent between the DRT4/TREND and a PC for storage, further analysis etc?

A. Yes, this is easily done via the Serial or USB ports of the PC, using our dedicated Windows software package (moorSOFT). Data transfer can be 'live' - i.e. at the time of measurement or after the measurement by downloading from the DRT4/TREND memory. Where conditions and space allow we recommend live monitoring as the safest form of data capture.

Q. How long is the stored data safe in the DRT4/TREND without connecting it to the electrical supply?

A. We would always recommend downloading data as soon as practically possible to safeguard your measurement. However your data is safe for at least eighteen months (new DRT4/TREND) - as the data is saved by an internal battery. As the DRT4 gets older, or the battery weaker this 'safe' time is reduced.

Q. What is the longest period of time the DRT4/TREND can record data for?

A. In stand alone mode the DRT4/TREND system can store 3 days of continuous data.

Q. How are the alarm levels set?

A. Alarm levels are set automatically by the monitor after 30 minutes of baseline assessment. A visual alarm shows whenever blood flow drops below the alarm level and an audible alarm sounds if low flow is sustained for a pre-defined period. The alarm level is set as a percentage of the measured baseline level. Manual override is available.

Q. Can the trace be analysed?

A. Yes. On board automated analysis divides the time span into around 10 equal time segments, and the mean flow is displayed for each time segment at the touch of a single key. This is usually sufficient for routine use, but further analysis and export to Spreadsheet format is possible with the Moorsoft for Windows/TREND package.

Q. How does the trace differ from a normal laser Doppler trace?

A. The trace is much smoother than a normal laser Doppler trace due to the use of a novel noise rejection protocol. This makes the traces far easier to interpret and the alarm setting more reliable. Temporary live monitoring is also available to allow confirmation of pulsatility in the signal - an important factor in deciding the health of a flap.

Q. What tissues can be sampled with DRT4/TREND?

A. Probes are available for exposed surface flaps (use DP1T-V2 or similar), flaps covered by dressings (use DP11sc), buried flaps (use side or end viewing endoscopic designs, DP6b or DP6ds) or oral flaps (use DP8c suturable titanium disc probe). Other probes can be used in other situations should the TREND protocol prove useful in other critical monitoring situations.