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- Apr 5, 2005
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Just found out our GE Aestivas will be replaced next month with Drager Apollos. Anyone familiar with that model have any experienced hints or tips? Thanks.
I've never figured out the gas efficiency algorithm the Apollo uses. I ignore that feature.
I routinely run very low flows (0.3-0.4 lpm of fresh gas and it ALWAYS tells me I need to run more. That bar will be an angry red for hours and hours and yet my patients don't die.
They're nice machines. I'm not sure they're worth the big $premium over other options though.
Most important tip- your EtCO2 won't show up on your monitor unless the vent/screen is turned on.
Had that happen in a MAC case where I went through a number of nasal cannulas and water traps in hopes of getting EtCO2 to show, but it turned out you have to take the Apollo out of standby.
They also have this gauge that shows how efficient or inefficient your gas usage was. Didn't make much sense to me, but you might like it.
I've never figured out the gas efficiency algorithm the Apollo uses. I ignore that feature.
I turn off the fake breathing/ventilation sound every case. It's damn annoying,
I turn off the fake breathing/ventilation sound every case. It's damn annoying,
Do any of you guys use the apollo machine for cardiac cases? There were concerns in the past about ventilation problems where I'm at so we use aestiva machines in our heart rooms. I've never used them for heart cases and wondering what you guys experiences are with them.
I turn off the fake breathing/ventilation sound every case. It's damn annoying,
Do any of you guys use the apollo machine for cardiac cases? There were concerns in the past about ventilation problems where I'm at so we use aestiva machines in our heart rooms. I've never used them for heart cases and wondering what you guys experiences are with them.
Do any of you guys use the apollo machine for cardiac cases? There were concerns in the past about ventilation problems where I'm at so we use aestiva machines in our heart rooms. I've never used them for heart cases and wondering what you guys experiences are with them.
I hate that too. Can't believe they added that feature.I turn off the fake breathing/ventilation sound every case. It's damn annoying,
Yeah, that feature should really read "ideal body weight" as that's what you should base your Vt on anyways. Where I work, putting in actual body weight will lead to a preset tidal volume wayyyy above 8cc/kg IBWI like the Apollo. Very easy to use. If you put in age and weight you get an estimated mac level and starting vent settings. For really obese patients the Vt can be high but otherwise no issues.
We use one on our Pedi hearts where I am. The only problem I've picked up on that may pertain to ventilation and hearts, is switching to manual takes a few seconds after after confirming manual. Which could be a problem when trying to get the "lungs down," unless you disconnect the circuit. Otherwise, I don't have any issues with it.
I like the Apollo. Very easy to use. If you put in age and weight you get an estimated mac level and starting vent settings. For really obese patients the Vt can be high but otherwise no issues.
We used them in residency for hearts. Didn't have any problems. I'd set it to bypass mode when on pump, then resume normal vent functions/monitoring when coming off pump. What specific problems have they had at your place?