VBA NEWS vol.1 no.2 August 1994 

 WE DID IT!

 Our first annual meeting was a great success and it was because of the many helping hands and input. I wanted to recap some of the important happenings and future plans that came from the meeting in case you missed anything.

The board elected is as follows:

Mary Frye

Steve Haupt

Ryland Paxton

James Anderson

Mark Freeman

Ben Clark

Virgil Smoot

Lis Carroll

Rick Davis

Mike Carlton

 The board met briefly Saturday morning after the committee meetings and appointed the following as this years officers:

President Mary Frye

Vice President Ben Clark

Treasurer Steve Haupt

Membership Sec. James Anderson

Recording Sec. Mike Carlton

 The committees got off to a good start Saturday morning and identified goals for the coming year. Some of the targets :

 Computer communication.

Computer technical services.

Varied technical schools (From 2 hrs to three weeks).

Management seminars.

Refinement of our Bylaws.

Membership database for use of all members.

Procedures for Newsletter and brochures for classes.

Increasing membership.

Use of Vendor resources.

And of course, THE SKI TRIP ! (with fun for non-ski types)

 Please remember that we need constant input from everybody. The people listed below are contacts for the committees and I am always available to hear any ideas or concerns.

 Thank You, Governor Allen

 The Governor of Virginia, George Allen recently recognized November 8th through November 12th 1994 as Biomedical Technicians Week. This gracious act gives due recognition to many hard working individuals, and is very much appreciated by the members of the Virginia Biomedical Association.

 Frank Insley from the V.A. Medical Center in Hampton was instrumental in presenting this proposal to Governor Allen. A copy of the Certificate of Recognition is included as an insert to this newsletter.

 THE ULTIMATE SERVICE CALL

 I am the manager of the Clinical Engineering Department at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. Our department is made up of five biomedical technicians, one secretary and myself. Our hospital serves only children, therefore, we have a great deal of specialized clinical equipment to maintain. We also have numerous off-site facilities that we service. Our hospital is currently listed at 166 beds and our equipment inventory is at 3,800 items. We are routinely involved in many projects, especially now, since we are building a new eight story hospital that will tie into the existing hospital. Anticipated opening date is August, 1994.

 Through a separate corporation of the Children's Health System (that operates from government grant money), an opportunity presented itself last year for my department to get involved with a project in Moscow, Russia. Our mission was to help establish a six bed level-2 NICU unit in the Children's Hospital #1 in Moscow. This is Russia's leading children's hospital. Our job was to assist in the purchase of clinical equipment, head-wall units, etc., needed for the project. We also: received the equipment, tested it prior to shipment, and coordinated loading the equipment in a 40-foot container and shipping it to Moscow. Joe Aveni (NICU Biomed Technician) and I met the container in Moscow on August 25, 1993 at the hospital to unload, uncrate, assemble, and test the equipment. We departed Moscow on September 6. The many frustrating months of preparation and work were all worth it when

we saw the faces of the hospital staff as the container was manually unloaded. Joe and I felt like Santa Clause. Even though the NICU building in Moscow was built only five years ago, it appeared to have been built in the early 1950's. All the departments are in separate buildings. We observed diapers being boiled on a stove, outdated elevators, what appeared to be a bathroom plunger modified to serve as a breathing mask, wall type steam heaters, poor lighting, uneven floors and many other things. We felt like we had gone back in time 30 or 40 years. The hospital does not have emergency power, medical air, a vacuum system, or other such luxuries.

 The most interesting part is how we were greeted. We were treated very well and shown every courtesy, including planned tours for our off duty hours. We were accepted as experts on clinical equipment, as well as in construction engineering. We were dealing directly with the demolition and renovation of the unit, installation of head-walls, etc. Through an interpreter, we were able to relay to the engineer, electrical contractor, O2 installers, and others what needed to be done. This was very exciting and fulfilling. Meetings with the NICU head physician, professor, and the hospital administrator, were arranged several times during our visit, much to our surprise. The hospital has no funds for disposable goods and very limited funds to feed and medicate the patients. Lunch at the hospital most days consisted of cold cabbage soup, rice with an unusual meat, hot tea (no tea bags) and/or berry juice.

 Russians put great value on "family and history" and were most gracious in the way they treated us. Many barriers, fears, and perceptions, were overcome during our visit. This is certainly one of the highlights of my career in the biomedical field. To tour the Kremlin, Red Square and the various cathedrals and museums of Moscow was a wonderful experience. There are some beautiful sites in and around Moscow. A boat tour on the Moscow River was one of the highlights of the trip as well. Russian singers and dancers entertained us during the trip.

 When I went into the biomedical field in 1966, I would never have imagined a service call of this magnitude, and especially to a nation that was always perceived as the enemy. I recommend to all that if you get an opportunity like this, "go for it". You will never regret it.

Virgil Smoot, CBET, Manager

Clinical Engineering Department

Childrens Hosp of The Kings Daughters

Norfolk, Virginia

 VIDEO SYSTEM and LASER INCOMPATIBILITY

 In the Biomedical work place we are often confronted with compatibility problems with different manufacturers' equipment. The following situation caused some confusion at my facility and could possibly occur at yours.

 My hospital had recently purchased new Storz video equipment for GYN Laserscopy (Storz Telecam Video System model# 20210120). The camera is a single chip and supplies a much better image than our old systems. Soon after the new systems had been put into service, we received a complaint from the O.R. that the screen was "strobing" like a disco lounge when used in conjunction with our Laserscope KTP Laser. Initially the complaint was not confirmed, since when the video systems and laser were op tested, the problem could not be duplicated.

 A week or so later the strobing reoccurred. At this time a more thorough examination of the situation was was performed and the following is what was discovered: I set up the video system as it would be for a surgical case. My facility uses the "Eye Safety Filter" on the laser (an electromechanical device between the laperoscope and the camera head), as opposed to a permanent filter. After threading the laser fiber through the scope and looking at the aiming beam with the naked eye, it looked normal. However if you looked at the aiming beam on the video monitor, it was strobing. I tried the permanent filters to clean up the aiming beam, but they filtered it out completely.

 The video systems were picking up the pulsing from the laser's aiming beam. It is important to note that the Laserscope Water Cooled KTP (model# 703) has an aiming beam that stays on constantly, the problem that we were experiencing only occurred on the Air Cooled Laserscope KTP (model # 803). The Laserscope Service Tech explained that the Air Cooled KTP pulses its aiming beam at a rate of about 84 Hz, in order to conserve power and reduce heat. We confirmed that the Storz video camera scans at a rate fast enough to see the aiming beam turn on and off. At this point in time we had two companies that said it was the other guy's problem. After discussing the situation with each companies' sales and service departments it was decided that the best fix was to upgrade the laser with a constant aiming beam.

 By writing this article, I hope to make other facilities aware of this and similar compatibility problems that may occur between lasers and video systems.

Jeff Atkinson, CBET

Henrico Doctors' Hospital

Richmond, Va.

 V.B.A. ONLINE

 There are endless possibilities in using ONLINE computer services. One useful service is electronic mail (E-Mail), which is very popular as a communications medium, combining the speed of the telephone with the accuracy of printed copy. Used creatively, E-Mail can virtually eliminate the annoyances of automated operators and playing telephone tag. Other services include a "bulletin board" where technical notes, service tips, requests for information, parts and equipment sources, and even a copy of this newsletter can be posted. You can also participate in discussions and conferences live and in real time with other colleagues. It is even possible to conduct training courses online.

 This is the essence of the Information Superhighway, and while it has long been the domain of computer "hackers", this technology is rapidly becoming a mainstream professional tool. Instant information access, and communication on your own terms - the concept is exciting, the benefits enormous and the time is right.

 If you would like to take advantage of the Information Superhighway, the Virginia Biomedical Association is here to help. We are forming an electronic community of technicians and professionals in the Biomedical field. With your computer and modem you can participate in the exchange of information and ideas as well as access information quicker then any other means. In order to help us plan these services, please fill in the form (in the Insert between pages 4 and 5), and mail a copy to Ron Wilson.

Ron Wilson

Publications Committee

Mark Freeman

Publications Chairman

 Minutes - Organizational Committee

 On June 13, 1994 a meeting of the Virginia Biomedical Association's organizational committee was held. Present at this meeting were Tom Wright, Keith Southworth, Ralph Woolridge, Richard Davis, Mary Frye, Lis Carroll, Steve Germain, Chuck Almarey, Thomas Barnes, Ryland Paxton, Mark Freeman, James Anderson, Larry Gasparini, and Mike Carlton.

 After introductions were made, Mary Frye informed us that paperwork being filed for tax status and incorporation, requires us to have an appointed president for the group. It was decided that Mary Frye would be the acting President until the board of directors is elected and they take charge of the association.

 The meeting moved to discussion of the by-laws. There was some question concerning the "outgoing president" statement and it's potential to conflict with the rest of the by-laws. Article IV, Section 4, Paragraph E was struck from the by-laws.There was some discussion of member's rights and quorum numbers, but no changes were made. Members of this meeting and those of the March 31st meeting will receive a copy of the amended by-laws prior to the August meeting.

 Corporate membership applications are available with a cover letter. Currently these will be sent on an as needed basis until that committee is in full swing. Mary noted that Hewlett Packard and Marquette Electronics have been very supportive of the Association thus far and will receive complimentary 1995 memberships.

 Mark Freeman informed us of the cost of publishing the newsletter. Currently various members are absorbing the cost as best as possible. This will change after the annual meeting in August. Mark also noted the need for different articles. The newsletter is presently scheduled for three publications per year.

  Mary Frye stated that work on the articles of incorporation for the association is in progress. The file for tax exempt status will be after the annual meeting.

 Mary submitted a tenative 1995 schedule of events and asked for comments. Comments were well received but cautious until the annual meeting.

 Mary then proceeded to tell us how much work was to be done at the annual meeting and the pressing need for volunteers to staff these positions. After everyone was given a job the meeting adjourned.

 Respectfully submitted:

Mike Carlton

 Minutes - Board Meeting

 The first meeting of the Virginia Biomedical Association Board was held on August 6, 1994.

 First order of business was to elect officers. Mary Frye was elected President and will chair the By-Laws Committee. Ben Clark appointed Vice-President and will chair the Education Committee. Steve Haupt appointed treasurer and will chair the Finance Committee. Mike Carlton appointed Recording Secretary. James Anderson appointed Membership Secretary and will chair the Membership Committee. A Publications Committee was formed with Mark Freeman elected as Chairman.

 Mary wants committee meeting notes by next board meeting so we may begin forming policy ideas regarding which individuals will perform specific tasks.

 A directory of board members will be published for the Board. It was felt that a paying member of the association has a right to a directory of the membership but a member should be able to control what is put in the directory. This issue is on hold until the next board meeting.

 The succeeding board meeting was scheduled for September 22, 1994 in Richmond, Virginia. Ryland will speak with Steve Germain about a room at Chippenham Medical Center.

 The meeting was then adjourned.

 Respectfully Submitted:

Mike Carlton, Recording Secretary

 Note: A subsequent change put Ryland Paxton as Chairman of the Rules & By-Laws Committee.

 Minutes - Annual Meeting

 The first annual business meeting of the Virginia Biomedical Association was held on August 5, 1994 in Richmond, Virginia. The meeting was called to order by Steve Haupt. After a few brief opening comments, Mary Frye was recognized to discuss old business.

 Mary recounted the organizational efforts that were made from Wintergreen in February to the current August 5th meeting. Mary also noted a few highlights for the coming year and asked for input from the membership for ideas for future meetings. It was noted that the Virginia Biomedical Association is now incorporated.

 Steve Haupt opened the floor for a motion on the By-Laws. Ron Wilson made a motion to accept the By-Laws with second motion by Al Jakimjuk. There was no discussion and motion passed.

 James Anderson then presented the ten Board of Directors. The membership voted throughout the day and ballots were counted at 4:30 that afternoon by Mark Freeman and Rick Davis. The members elected for a two year term were: Mary Frye, Steve Haupt, Mark Freeman, Virgil Smoot, Mike Carlton. The members elected for a one year term were: Ryland Paxton, James Anderson, Ben Clark, Rick Davis, Lis Carroll.

 Steve Haupt presented the financial report. To date we have received $7,098.98. Monies came from membership dues and corporate sponsors. A large portion of this money will be spent on the meeting held at the Jefferson Hotel.

 Mark Freeman announced our logo winner. The membership selected the logo submitted by Sidney McCallister. Sidney received a H.P. scientific calculator for his efforts.

 Mary reviewed the committees that would be meeting the following day and encouraged members to get involved and stay involved. Mary announced that we have 100 members total with 77 of those being voting members.

 Mark Sand asked about a membership directory. Mary noted that a directory of this kind had been printed recently, however, it was not accurate. The Board will discuss this issue at the meeting the next day.

 Respectfully Submitted:

Mike Carlton, Recording Secretary