The cerebral function analysing monitor (CFAM). A new microprocessor-based device for the on-line analysis of the EEG and evoked potentials.

A description is given of a new microprocessor-based device for EEG analysis. The Cerebral Function Analysing Monitor (CFAM) analyses the EEG amplitude and frequency distribution. It produces a detailed plot of amplitude trends and separate traces of the percentage activity in each of the classical EEG frequency bands. Its clinical application was studied in five patients anaesthetized with thiopentone, and nitrous oxide and halothane in oxygen. During maintenance of anaesthesia, there was a gradual decrease in EEG amplitude and shift towards lower frequency EEG activity. Discontinuation of nitrous oxide resulted in a marked increase in EEG amplitude and an increase in alpha and beta band activity. Discontinuation of halothane resulted in smaller alterations in the CFAM trace. This device provides easily interpreted processed EEG data and merits further investigation.

[1]  T. M. Savege,et al.  Comparison of the cerebral function monitor and plasma concentrations of thiopentone and alphaxalone during total i.v. anaesthesia with repeated bolus doses of thiopentone and althesin. , 1982, British journal of anaesthesia.

[2]  T. M. Savege,et al.  General anaesthesia and changes on the cerebral function monitor * , 1978, Anaesthesia.

[3]  R. Bickford,et al.  The classification and significance of electro-encephalographic patterns produced by nitrous oxide-ether anesthesia during surgical operations. , 1950, Proceedings of the staff meetings. Mayo Clinic.

[4]  D. Maynard,et al.  Device for continuous monitoring of cerebral activity in resuscitated patients. , 1969, British medical journal.

[5]  G. AstonJones.  A Basis and Practice of Neuroanesthesia , 1976 .

[6]  P. Sebel,et al.  Effects of High‐dose Fentanyl Anesthesia on the Electroencephalogram , 1981, Anesthesiology.

[7]  Development of the CFM: the Cerebral Function Analysing Monitor (CFAM). , 1979 .

[8]  R. Bickford,et al.  Compression of EEG data. , 1971, Transactions of the American Neurological Association.

[9]  M. Verzeano.  Servo-motor integration of the electrical activity of the brain and its applications to the automatic control of narcosis. , 1951, Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology.

[10]  H. Shapiro,et al.  Automated EEG processing for intraoperative monitoring: a comparison of techniques. , 1980, Anesthesiology.

[11]  Development of the CFM: the Cerebral Function Analysing Monitor (CFAM). , 1979, Annales de l'anesthesiologie francaise.

[12]  P. Prior,et al.  Monitoring cerebral function: Long-term recordings of cerebral electrical activity , 1979 .

[13]  M. Brazier,et al.  Action of Barbiturates on the Cerebral Cortex , 1945 .

[14]  T. M. Savege,et al.  General Anaesthesia and Changes on the Cerebral Function Monitor , 1979 .