Answers to the most frequently asked vitalsbridge questions
General Questions
Q: Who do I contact for customer sales and support?
A: You may contact us at:
Phone: 1-801-484-3820
Support: support@vitalsbridge.com
The VitalsBridge is manufactured by Dynasthetics LLC in the USA.
Q: Can I buy the VitalsBridge direct from Dynasthetics?
A: Yes! The VitalsBridge and a selection of appropriate accessories for configuring your VitalsBridge to your patient simulator and vital signs monitor may be purchased by contacting us at 801-484-3820.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Costs are dependent on which model of the VitalsBridge you choose. The VitalsBridge will need to be configured for the patient simulator and vital signs monitor used in your simulation activities. Configuration includes selecting appropriate cable adapters for the vital signs monitor. Contact our Sales dept. for help determining your exact needs.
Q: Is my patient simulator/manikin compatible with the VitalsBridge?
A: The VitalsBridge can be used with any high fidelity or low fidelity manikin or standardized patient using our VitalsBridge Connector App (Android, iOS and Windows). When using Windows, the VitalsBridge also features direct integration with most modern Simulators made by Laerdal that are running the LLEAP software (e.g., SimMan 3G, SimMan Essential, SimMan ALS, SimJr, SimMom).
Q: Is my real vital signs monitor compatible with the VitalsBridge?
A: There are many different brands and thousands of different configurations of commercially available vital signs monitors. The VitalsBridge is compatible with most brands and models of modern patient monitors. As of early 2016, the VitalsBridge is compatible with side-stream capnography technology (mainstream will be available soon). The VitalsBridge requires some specific cables and configuration for a vital signs monitor's non-invasive blood pressure cuff, SpO2, invasive blood pressure, and temperature. Contact us to purchase VitalsBridge compatible patient monitor cables.
Q: Can I install VitalsBridge myself?
A: Installation of the VitalsBridge has been significantly simplified, and you will likely be able to easily install the VitalsBridge yourself (using a self-install kit with written instructions and web-based videos). However, we offer a 2 hour virtual installation and training session for an additional charge.
Q: Can you assist me in selecting the right monitoring cables, blood pressure cuffs and other accessories I will need to ensure the VitalsBridge will work with my patient monitor and manikin?
A: Absolutely. We are experts in both patient simulation and patient monitoring. Contact us and we can get you set up.
Q: I need a vital signs monitor. Do you sell those?
A: We can help you locate an appropriate vital signs monitor for your simulation education practice. Please contact support@vitalsbridge.com.
Q: How long will the VitalsBridge run on a fully charged battery?
A: Typical running times are 2.5 to 4+ hours, such as NIBP measurement frequency and use of capnography. We also offer extended, external batteries for longer use on battery.
Q: Does the VitalsBridge have a warranty?
A: The VitalsBridge has a 1 year warranty. Extended warranties for up to 5 years may be purchased as an add-on to your VitalsBridge purchase.
SpO2
Q: Is the VitalsBridge compatible with disposable SpO2 probes?
A: It is sometimes possible to use disposable SpO2 sensors (i.e., sticker-style sensors), but it is not recommended. It is recommended that the non-disposable finger-clip style probe is used.
Q: What probes are supplied with the VitalsBridge?
A: For SpO2 simulation, the VitalsBridge works with the re-usable probe supplied with your (real) patient monitor. We provide a mock SpO2 probe that may be placed on the desired finger of the manikin or standardized patient.
Gas Cartridges
Q: How long will each gas cartridge last?
A: When the VitalsBridge is running, a gas cartridge will last 4-10+ hours, depending on the simulation. When the gas regulator is not in use, turn the regulator to off, disconnect the tubing connection from the gas luer fitting on the VitalsBridge and securely fit the cap on the end of the regulator tubing, without over tightening.
Q: Where can I purchase more cartridges?
A: You may purchase cartridges by calling us at 801-484-3820.
Non-invasive Blood Pressure
Q: I am not getting a reading from my non-invasive blood pressure monitor. What should I check?
A: First check that the cable from the monitor is secure and not leaking at both the monitor's connector and at the VitalsBridge. Ensure that none of the cuff fittings at the tubing are leaking. Ensure that none of the cuff tubes are kinked.
CO2
Q: My gas regulator has a partially full cartridge that I wish to empty and dispose. What do I do?
A: Turn the regulator to off. Disconnect the gas regulator from the VitalsBridge by unscrewing the luer fitting. Hold the tubing approximate 3-5 cm away from the end of the tubing. Slowly turn the knob on the regulator to let the CO2 gas escape at a low flow rate from the outlet of the regulator until no more gas release is heard or felt.
Q: My monitor is not showing a CO2 waveform. What should I check?
A: Check that the CO2 cartridge is not empty (i.e., regulator pressure on the gauge is not zero). Ensure the monitor uses side stream capnography. Ensure that the CO2 sampling line is connected properly to the VitalsBridge and the monitor. Check that CO2 waveforms are enabled on the VitalsBridge software. Attempt to re-calibrate the CO2.
Q: My monitor shows a CO2 waveform and value that is extremely high (> 150 mmHg). What is wrong?
A: Ensure that the CO2 checkbox on the VitalsBridge software app is selected. Ensure that the supply pressure of gas to the VitalsBridge is 15-20 PSI.
Q: Is the VitalsBridge compatible with patient monitors that use mainstream capnography?
A: Some VitalsBridge 300 units are compatible with mainstream capnography (units with serial # 35xxxx or 45xxxx are mainstream
capable, while units with serial # vb30xxxx or 40xxxx are side-stream only). Side-stream only units may be upgraded to
mainstream capable units, contact support@vitalsbridge.com for details.
Q: Can my mainstream CO2 capable VitalsBridge 300 also simulate side-stream CO2?
A: Yes, a small adapter that is provided with the VitalsBridge must be placed between the sampling line connection and
the VitalsBridge CO2 out port.
Invasive Blood Pressure
Q: I see a blood pressure waveform on the vital signs monitor, but no number is shown. What is the problem?
A: The monitor's blood pressure must be zeroed. When using the VitalsBridge Connector, check the "Zero" check boxes before zeroing transducers. If you are using Laerdal's LLEAP software, enable flat line for the blood pressure waveform on the LLEAP Instructor Application. Making sure you select the correct transducer, apply the “zero blood pressure” function on the monitor. Disable flat line for the blood pressure waveform on the Instructor Application.
Q: The invasive blood pressure readings on my monitor are inaccurate (more than 5-10 mmHg from the set value). What is wrong?
A: Ensure that the monitor has been properly zeroed (See answer above). Then use the zero blood pressure feature on the vital signs monitor (consult the vital signs monitor documentation).
Q: My monitor came with a cable that connects from the monitor to an invasive blood pressure transducer. However, it does not fit the invasive blood pressure cables or connections on the VitalsBridge. How do I find the right connector?
A: You may purchase the proper invasive blood pressure transducer cable by calling 801-484-3820.
Q: How do I simulate a pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure with the VitalsBridge?
A: This feature is available through the VitalsBridge software user-interface by checking on the pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure checkbox.
Temperature
Q: My monitor came with a cable that connects from the monitor to a temperature probe; however, it does not fit the short, white, temperature cables that connect to the VitalsBridge. How do I find the right connector?
A: You may purchase the proper temperature cable by calling 801-484-3820.
