Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM)
Device Attachment
Below, you will find step by step pictures of a cam attachment
In our promise to remain at the cutting edge of the veterinary profession, we are proud to be the first Veterinary Cardiology company in the world to utilize the break-through technology of Bardy Diagnostics – bringing the small, lightweight, and very comfortable CAM to the benefit of animals!
Please refer to your included instructions for additional detail on this process.
Step 1) Shave the Hair
Leaving 1 inch margins on all sides of the CAM
POSITION:
Left parasternal area, 3rd-5th intercostal space.
NOTE:
In small dogs/cats this device may wrap under the sternum and the tail may attach on the right chest.
Shave and prep accordingly.
USEFUL TIPS:
- Use the Battrode (with plastic guard still on) to help size the shave zone.
- Ensure a close shave in this area – no stray hairs!
Step 2) Remove Skin Oils
With Electrode Prep Pad (Isopropyl Alcohol Swab x3)
3 swabs are included in each kit.
Use each pad to wipe the entire shaved area. Allow skin to dry completely before proceeding to the attachment step.
NOTE: This is not an aseptic prep.
Chlorhexadine/Betadine are not required and sterile technique is not required.
USEFUL TIPS:
- Check the area with the back of your index finger to ensure it is dry before attaching the CAM.
- You can do all 3 rounds of swabs without having to let the skin dry in between.
Step 3) Prepare the CAM Unit
For Attachment
Snap the Recorder (small part) into the Battrode.
- Smaller end into the green portion first!
- ENSURE you see a flashing green light (3-5 times, approximately 2-3 seconds).
PLEASE NOTE:
-> The light will not blink again once the unit is activated.
-> The light will not blink during button presses.
NOTE: Plastic backing is still attached.
Ensure this is done in a quiet room and your ear is close to the unit when snapped in.
Step 4) Attach the CAM
To the Patient
Follow the included instructions to remove the Battrode/Recorder combination from the plastic backing.
Attach the unit from the top part to the tail, following the angle of the ribcage (tail should be more caudal than the recorder unit).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- The Recorder (top portion of the unit) should be just ABOVE the costochondral junction.
- The tail will be very close to the sternum in most dogs.
- In small dogs/cats, the tail will wrap underneath the sternum and attach in the right parasternal region.
Step 5) Write Attachment Time
For Attachment
- It is imperative that you note the time the device touches the patient skin. The first sensed QRS complex begins the recording!
- Failure to do this may seriously compromise the quality of interpretation and lead to a mis-diagnosis if the patient is symptomatic (syncope or pre-syncope).
REMEMBER: The device is a count-down timer (48 hours or 7 days). There is no internal clock in the CAM.
Accurate start times are essential
Step 6) Activate the Adhesive
Follow the included instructions to fully activate the adhesive.
In Brief:
- Rub the white edges with your index finger (1 minute).
- Apply firm pressure to the entire unit with the palm of your hand (10-15 seconds).
Step 7) Protect the Monitor
Apply vetwrap around the thorax in a cross-your-heart bandage style.
In larger dogs, two rolls of 4″ wrap may be required.
Remember:
- The vetwrap is only to cover the monitor and protect it from obvious damage.
- It is not ‘holding’ the unit onto the chest.
- In a puppy, you may want to apply a small piece of medical tape or Elastikon over the Recorder to prevent the rear legs from scratching/detaching the Recorder from the Battrode.
Steps:
- Unwrap the entire roll and re-wrap it before applying to prevent excessive pressure around the thorax.
- To prevent slipping, at least one round of the wrap must go over the shoulder blade and between the forelimbs.
- If necessary, you can use a small amount of Elastikon to help prevent slippage.
Step 8) Apply a Thunder Shirt (Or Similar)
We require covering the wrap with a Thunder Shirt or similar thick wrap with mild compression to prevent dislodgement from scratching.
T-shirts or vetwrap only coverage is not suitable and damage to the device may result in additional fees.
