CardioPro

Basic functionality can be obtained with one EKG and one respiration sensor; however, a second respiration sensor is necessary to work with feedback on the thoracic/abdominal ratio. The Temp and BVP sensors are used to provide peripheral information; they are not essential for the respiration sinus arrhythmia (RSA) or heart rate variability (HRV) functionality. With the EKG sensor, it is important to stress the necessity for good skin preparation, particularly for dry or hairy areas, before applying the electrodes. Using extra electrode gel, even on pre-gelled electrodes ensures the best signal possible.

The simple graphic user interface easily leads the user through the various steps of recording, reviewing and analyzing data. While recording, the user can switch between three different monitoring screens; each designed for a specific type of feedback. When a session has been recorded, the user can replay or rescan it from the HRV display screen.

The 3D spectral display is based on a 5 minute moving window of inter-beat interval (IBI) data. This enables it to accurately display the very low frequencies (VLF) right down to 0.003Hz (looking at this end of the frequency range is essential to a number of clinicians). The 3D spectral display can be used in real-time while recording or after a session, while reviewing data.

The RSA and 3D screens have a variable respiration pacer with independent settings for in, out and hold phases.

Cardiopro provides both auditory and visual biofeedback for any one of three physiological changes: Standard Deviation of the IBI (SDRR), Heart Rate Max minus Heart Rate Min, and Thoracic / Abdominal ratio. The available auditory feedback options include proportional or inverse-proportional MIDI tones.

State of the art data reviewing, editing, analyzing, printing and exporting functions are provided in the review screens.

• Uses industry standard* calculations and data format for raw and normalized data. (1)
• 32-bit Windows 95/98 environment, with a graphic user interface that is simple and intuitive to use.
• Functional ability to display EKG, 2 respiration, BVP and temp modalities simultaneously, for time saving therapy and monitoring.
• Three-trace line graph, for 2 channels of respiration (2) and a channel of heart rate for RSA training.
• Fully configurable breathing pacer including in / out and hold phases to allow accurate breathing management.
• Very powerful self-contained IBI editing suite to remove ectopic beats and other irregularities. Includes add, split and average functions, all colour-coded for ease of use during high speed editing. An IBI Tachogram, showing the Inter Beat Interval values for the session gives a great overview of a session as a whole.
• Time synchronized graph cursors give the ability to zero in on specific areas of the EKG trace for closer inspection.
• In addition to the wealth of visual feedback, there are three modes of audio feedback for behavioral training.
  • Abdominal breathing (Thor./Abd. Ratio).
  • Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (HR Max- HR Min).
  • Heart Rate Variability (SDRR).
• Full colour 2 & 3D frequency analysis (3) in real time and review modes.
• Developed in consultation with some of the leading experts in the field of heart rate variability and RSA: Paul Lehrer Ph.D., Rob Nolan Ph.D. and Richard Gervirtz Ph.D.
• The system includes a database, for keeping relevant client information and all session data in order and at-hand when needed.
• Informative Printed Reports, with selectable data ranges to prevent filling up your patient record room.
• Export function for the raw or normalized IBI data - an invaluable function for any researcher.
• Uses Thought Technology’s reliable and world-renowned ProComp+ hardware as the patient interface.
  1. (These are calculated as recommended in the Special Report on Heart Rate Variability Standards of Measurement, Physiological Interpretation and Clinical Use. Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology)
  2. (Powerful visual aid to train abdominal breathing.)
  3. FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) frequency power spectrum of the Inter Beat Intervals (IBI) in the 0.0033 - 0.4Hz bandwidth) It shows Very Low Freq, Low Freq. & High Frequency information.