Modular implementation of an instrument set-up program

Abstract

The Clinical Cardiology Computer Center (CCCC) of the University of Alabama in Birmingham has in operation a medlum-slze process control computer with a standard multlprogrammlng executive and a special sub-executlve for allocating system facilities to simultaneous users. (1,2) Two coronary care units (CCUs) and two cardiac catheterization labs (COLa) are connected to this computer. (3) In the CCU, the computer is used for calculating parameters from physiological signals sensed from critically ill patients who have suffered a heart attack or chest pain. (4) Measurements from the CCLs are useful in assessing the necessity and efficacy of surgical procedures, such as coronary bypass and valve replacements.This paper describes the use of the instrument set-up programs (ISP) in setting up physiological signals to the computer, the top-down design of the ISP system, and the structure of the system of programs.