Continuous Monitoring of Physiologic Variables with a Dedicated Minicomputer

A custom designed system employing advanced communication techniques1,2 and unique video displays3 for computer-based patient monitoring (see Figure 1) has been designed and built by the Washington University Biomedical Computer Laboratory in cooperation with the Department of Surgery and Barnes Hospital. Planning of the system, designed specifically for the hospital's four-bed Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care Unit, began in 1971, and the completed system was installed in March of 1973.