TOF-Watch SX

Organon (Ireland) Ltd., Drynam Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Operator manual

TOF-Watch SX

Operating manual

page

Manuel d'utilisation

page

25

Bedienungsanleitung

Seite

47

Manual del usuario

pgina

69

Scheme of buttons and display symbols

Schma des touches et symboles daffichage
Tastaturbersicht und Displaysymbole
Esquema de los pulsadores y smbolos
Registered trademark in one or more countries

Operating manual Contents

Scheme of buttons and display symbols
1

Introduction
1.1
General
1.2
Intended use
1.3
Actions upon delivery
Short set-up
2.1
Checking patients for muscle relaxation
2.2
Checking patients for residual curarization
2.3
Nerve location for loco-regional anesthesia
Pre-Operative set-up
3.1
Cable connections (objective monitoring)
3.2
Cable connections (subjective monitoring)
3.3
Cable connections (loco-regional anesthesia)
3.4
Electrodes
3.5
Electrode placement
3.6
Position of the transducer
3.7
Arm position
3.8
Connection to stimulator
3.9
Skin resistance
3.10 Control twitch height
3.11 Calibration
3.12 Sensitivity
3.13 Stimulation units
Survey of functions
4.1
General functions
4.1.1
Stop / on-off button (1)
4.1.2
Secondary function button (4)
4.1.3
Calibration button (22)
4.1.4
mA (C) up (21) and down buttons (23)
4.1.5
Temperature button (25)
4.1.6
Timer function
4.2
Primary functions
4.2.1
Train Of Four stimulation
4.2.2
1 Hz stimulation
4.2.3
Post Tetanic Count stimulation
4.3
Secondary functions
4.3.1
TOF S Stimulation
4.3.2
Programmable stimulation
4.3.3
0.1 Hz stimulation button
4.3.4.
s button
4.3.5.
Sensitivity button
4.3.6.
TOF and TOF S alarm

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5
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7

8
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10
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12

Set-up menu
Survey of display
Further information
7.1
Cleaning
7.2
Unusual patterns
Error signals
Accessories
Technical specifications
Symbols
Warnings!

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16
18
20
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21
22
22
23

TOF-Watch SX
Scheme of buttons and display symbols
Stop / on-off button.
Post Tetanic Count / Programmable stimulation button.
Train Of Four / Train Of Four S stimulation button.
Secondary function button.
Secondary function symbol.
Calibration symbol.
Device on / stopped symbol.
Battery status symbol.
Internal error symbol.
Stimulation beep symbol.
Acceleration transducer symbol.
Resistance too high symbol.
Needle electrode symbol.
Timer / stimulation symbol.
Stimulation mode indication.
Frequency symbol.
Micro-coulomb symbol.
Milli-ampres symbol.
Value for TOF ratio, Twitch height, PTC or stimulation current.
Percent symbol: used for TOF ratio or Twitch height.
mA (C) up button.
Calibration button.
mA (C) down button.
1 Hz / 0.1 Hz stimulation button.
Temperature button.
Micro-second (s) symbol.
Degrees Celsius (C ) symbol.

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1 Introduction
1.1
General
Monitoring the effect of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) can be accomplished in
several ways.
The most frequently used method is clinical evaluation using a peripheral nerve stimulator.
Although the technique is simple, it lacks accuracy because of its subjective interpretation of
the responses.
Accurate and objective information on the degree of neuromuscular paralysis can be obtained
by measuring the force of contraction of a certain muscle (mechanomyography).
However, the equipment needed is rather bulky and difficult to use during routine surgery
because of the elaborate set-up procedure and its sensitivity to movement.
A good alternative for force measurement is the measurement of acceleration
(acceleromyography). According to the second law of Newton: Force equals Mass times
Acceleration (F = M x a), the acceleration of a muscle has a linear correlation with the
contraction force of that muscle. It has been shown that there is a good correlation between
the results of acceleromyography and mechanomyography.
1.2
Intended use
The TOF-Watch is an instrument for monitoring the neuromuscular transmission during surgery
or in the intensive care unit by means of acceleromyography. The TOF-Watch can also be used
as a peripheral nerve stimulator. Moreover, it can be used to localize nerves for loco-regional
anesthesia.
The TOF-Watch should only be operated by trained medical personnel.
Before operation, please refer to the Warnings! in chapter 12.
1.3
Actions upon delivery
Upon delivery of the TOF-Watch, please check the contents of the package for completeness
and any possible damage during transport.
The TOF-Watch should be stored at room temperature at ambient moisture conditions.

2 Short set-up
2.1
Checking patients for muscle relaxation
In the set-up menu of the TOF-Watch, display of the stimulation strength can be switched from
mA (default setting) to C, according to local preferences. As a default setting, the stimulation
current is set at 50 mA.
1
2
3
4
5

Place electrodes in position, attach the acceleration transducer to the thumb with adhesive
tape.
Turn TOF-Watch on by pressing the
button (1) and holding it down for 1 s.
Administer the induction agent.
When the patient is adequately sedated, press
(22) for automatic calibration (optional).
Hold down the
button (3) for repetitive TOF stimulation.

The TOF-Watch is now ready for the further monitoring of neuromuscular transmission.
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During surgery muscle relaxation can be monitored continuously to assess the need for either
repeated administration of a muscle relaxant or for the use of a reversal agent during recovery.
2.2
Checking patients for residual curarization
The use of the automatic set-up of the TOF-Watch on patients already relaxed will result in
incorrect selection of internal gain due to fading. The following procedure should be used:
1 Place electrodes in position, attach the acceleration transducer to the thumb with adhesive
tape.
2 Turn TOF-Watch on by pressing the
button (1) and holding it down for 1 s.
3 The strength of the stimulation (mA or C) can be adjusted manually by pressing the
mA (C) up (21) or down button (23).
4 Press
(3).
Since no control twitch height has been established, only the TOF ratio yields information
about the recovery of a patient and not a single twitch measurement.
2.3
Nerve location for loco-regional anesthesia
The TOF-Watch can be used as an aid in nerve location for loco-regional anesthesia using a
special stimulation cable. This cable contains one lead with a connector fitting to a surface
electrode and one lead with a 2 mm plug to be connected to a needle electrode.
Once this cable is inserted in the TOF-Watch, the instrument automatically reverts to the locoregional anesthesia mode. Since only a visual assessment of the response is needed, no
responses are shown on the display.
1
2
3
4
5

Connect special stimulation cable to the TOF-Watch

Place the surface electrode in position
Turn TOF-Watch on by pressing the
button (1) and holding it down for 1 s.
Start the repetitive 1Hz stimulation by pressing the
(24) button.
The strength of the stimulation (mA or C, shown on the display) can be adjusted manually
by pressing the mA (C) up button (21) or down button (23).

The TOF-Watch is now ready for use in locating the nerve with the needle electrode.

3 Pre-Operative set-up
3.1
Cable connections (objective monitoring)
The TOF-Watch can be used for objective monitoring by using two cables:
A) acceleration transducer cable and B) stimulation cable.
When surface electrodes are used, the instrument automatically uses stimulation pulses of
200 s (300 s) at 0 - 60 mA (0 - 12/18 C). The pre-defined default current is set at 50 mA.
Attach the stimulation cable to the surface electrodes placed on the ulnar nerve.
Attach the acceleration transducer with its largest flat side to the thumb by means of adhesive
tape. Connect both cables to designated color-coded outlets on the TOF-Watch (reversal of the
cables is not possible because of a mechanical barrier).

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3.2
Cable connections (subjective monitoring)
When the acceleration transducer is not connected to the TOF-Watch, the instrument can be
used as a peripheral nerve stimulator.
When surface electrodes are used, the instrument automatically uses stimulation pulses of
200 s (300 s) at 0 - 60 mA (0 - 12/18 C).
Instead of the patient response, the TOF-Watch automatically shows only the stimulation
strength in mA (C) and stimulation mode.
The pre-defined default stimulation strength is set at 50 mA. Attach the stimulation cable to
the surface electrodes placed on the ulnar nerve (see above), and connect to the designated
color-coded outlet on the TOF-Watch (insertion of the cable in the wrong outlet is not possible
because of a mechanical barrier).
3.3
Cable connections (loco-regional anesthesia)
When the special cable for a needle electrode is used, the TOF-Watch can be used for nerve
location in loco-regional anesthesia.
The TOF-Watch will automatically revert to the loco-regional anesthesia mode, enabling
stimulation with a pulse width of 40 s and a current ranging between 0 and 6.0 mA.
The total charge delivered varies between 0 and 0.24 C. In the set-up menu, display of the
strength of the stimulation can be switched from C (pre-installed) to mA.
The pre-defined default setting is 0 C. Patient responses are not shown on the display.
Attach the special cable to a needle electrode and a surface electrode, and connect to the
designated color-coded outlet on the TOF-Watch (insertion of the cable in the wrong outlet is
not possible because of a mechanical barrier).
3.4
Electrodes
When monitoring neuromuscular transmission, the TOF-Watch should always be used with
round surface electrodes with snap connection. Small (pediatric) electrodes are advisable to
obtain a sufficient current density. In order to ensure a steady quality of the test, be sure only
to use CE marked electrodes.
3.5
Electrode placement
Acceleromyography can take place by stimulating the facial nerve and monitoring the response
of the orbicularis oculi muscle or by stimulating the posterior tibial nerve and monitoring the
response of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle. However, stimulation of the ulnar nerve and
acceleration measurements at the adductor pollicis is preferred for routine monitoring.
The electrodes are placed over the ulnar nerve on the volar side of the wrist. The distal electrode
is positioned where the proximal bending line crosses the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris
muscle. The proximal electrode can be placed either 2 to 3 cm proximal of the distal electrode
or over the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
Correct positioning of the electrodes is important. Small displacements may result in
considerable changes in stimulation current requirements. Furthermore, the electrodes must
be positioned in such a way to avoid direct stimulation of the muscle.
Place the electrodes on each side of the expected position of the ulnar nerve. In this way,
the effect of any minor misjudgment of the actual nerve position is minimized.
It has been found that slight pressure on the electrodes may improve the stimulation
considerably. Therefore, taping the electrodes to the skin may be advisable.
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Figure 2. Electrode and transducer placement

3.6
Position of the transducer
The transducer should be placed with its largest flat side against the thumb.
The transducer cable must be fixed in such a way that no traction is applied to the transducer
and that movement of the thumb is not obstructed in any way.
Small sideways movements of the thumb may be noticed during stimulation. If this is the
case, reposition the transducer in such a way that the movement is perpendicular.
The more distal the transducer is placed on the thumb, the stronger the acceleration signal.
This effect can be used to adjust the signal strength.
3.7
Arm position
The arm, used for the acceleration measurement, should be kept immobile during the whole
procedure. Movement of the arm to another position may change the twitch height
considerably. Although the twitch height may still differ from the original value, the train-offour ratio will not be affected. At later stages of recovery the patient may perform voluntary
movements of the hand, which in turn may disturb the measurements and recordings.
3.8
Connection to stimulator
Always make sure that the TOF-Watch is switched off or that the display shows the stop symbol
(7) before touching the electrodes.
The proximal electrode is usually connected to the white (Positive) clip on the stimulator cable.
The distal electrode should be connected to the black (Negative) clip.
If both electrodes are near the wrist, the polarity is less critical. The stimulation pulses are
monophasic. Switching the electrode connection (exchanging
with ) may sometimes
increase the stimulation considerably.
3.9
Skin resistance
The skin resistance together with the electrode resistance form the total resistance in the
stimulating circuit. The stimulator in the TOF-Watch is of the constant current type.
This means that the stimulation voltage automatically increases with the resistance.
As long as the voltage remains below the maximum value (= 300 V) the stimulator can deliver
the selected pulse. For a maximal current of 60 mA, the maximal resistance will be 5 kOhm.
If the resistance is above this value, the skin resistance too high symbol
(12) will be
displayed, and the stimulation stops. If the current is reduced, the corresponding voltage drops
and stimulation can be resumed.
Insufficient cleaning of the skin may be the cause of a too high skin resistance.
Note that there is not necessarily any relation between high skin resistance and problems
of reaching supramaximal stimulation.

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3.10
Control twitch height
The patient should be anesthetized before operating the stimulator because nerve stimulation
can be painful for a conscious patient.
Control twitch height is the twitch height when the patient is not relaxed. Control twitch height
is set to 100% at calibration.
3.11
Calibration
The size of the transducer signal varies from patient to patient. In order to establish a control
twitch height value of 100% for the 1Hz or 0.1Hz modes, the transducer gain is set by pressing
the
button (22) for more than 1 s.
If the responses of a non-relaxed patient are too small for an accurate measurement, as
can be seen in children or when using the orbicularis oculi muscle, then a gain calibration
will optimize the sensitivity.
3.12
Sensitivity
It may be observed that the thumb makes very small movements although no response is
shown on the display. This is not an error: the movement is below the threshold of 3% control
twitch height at which the TOF-Watch starts to display the responses.
3.13
Stimulation units
The TOF-Watch can show the strength of the electrical stimulation in both milli-ampres [mA]
and micro-coulomb [C]. For routine monitoring the default setting is in mA, for use in locoregional anesthesia the default setting is in C. It is possible to change between the two modes
in the Set-up menu - see page 16.

4 Survey of functions
Some of the buttons have a double function: one function when activated alone, and another if
the secondary function button (4) is pressed prior to the function button.
Activation of the secondary function is indicated by the symbol on the display.
Furthermore, the period of time that a button is activated determines the selection of the
function.
A short activation (< 1 s) elicits a single stimulation, a long activation (> 1 s) of a function
button enables continuous stimulation.
Abbreviations:
Short activation (short):
<1s
Long activation (long):
> 1 s (acknowledged by a short beep)
4.1

General functions

4.1.1

Stop / on-off button (1)

short:
long:

Stops stimulation/clears display

Turns TOF-Watch on/off
(if activated more than 1 s).

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4.1.2

Note:

4.1.3

Secondary function button (4)

short:
Activation of secondary function mode.
If this button is pressed prior to a button with a secondary function (description
above the button), the secondary function is carried out instead of the primary
function. This is indicated by the symbol on the display. If no stimulation
buttons are activated within 5 s after pressing the secondary function button, the
TOF-Watch automatically reverts to primary mode.
long:
Activation / deactivation of stimulation beep.
By pressing this button for more than 1 s the stimulation beep is toggled on and
off and the (10) symbol is showed for 1 s (see also Set-up menu on page 16).
If the stimulation beep is switched on, a short beep can be heard each time the
TOF-Watch performs a stimulation. When not desired, be sure to switch off the
stimulation beep in cases where beeps from other operating equipment are more
important (e.g. heart monitoring systems).
Calibration button (22)
long:

Notes:

4.1.4

Starts calibration (adjust gain to 100% control twitch

height) or returns to standard gain.
Calibration is only possible when the
symbol is shown in the display.
If
flashes after completion of calibration the acceleration transducer signal
is either too low or too unstable.
Selection of one of the two different built-in calibration sequences can be made in
the set-up menu (see Set-up menu on page 16).

mA (C) up (21) and down buttons (23)

short:

( (

Stimulation strength is shown in display, or if already

shown stepped up or down.
Stimulation strength is continuously stepped up or down.

long:

If both up and down are activated simultaneously, the set-up mode is entered.
See page 16 for more information.

mA

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4.1.5

Temperature button (25)

When pressed, surface temperature measured by the thermistor is shown.

If the thermistor is disconnected (not mounted), no temperature will be displayed

when pressing the temperature button.
The TOF Watch has an automatic low temperature warning built-in. If the
temperature drops below 32 C an information beep will sound and the C (27)
will flash. Pressing the temperature button causes flashing of C to stop.
A similar warning will sound if the thermistor becomes disconnected.

4.1.6
Timer function
The display is used to show various time-related symbols.
Stop watch showing time to next stimulation.
The center dot of the stop watch indicates that the TOF-Watch is currently performing
a stimulation.
The display normally holds a result for a period of about 15 s after a stimulation has been
performed. After this time period, the measurement is considered to be too old for proper clinical
evaluation and the result is cleared.
4.2
Primary functions
In general an attention beep will be heard, whenever a function is activated which is not
permitted. Moreover during a time-out period (for PTC and TET modes), the function will also
be flashing if the TOF-Watch is in stop mode .
In case a function is allowed but only after some residual time (13.5 s for TOF, 20 s for DBS),
a count down procedure will be initiated and indicated on the display.
4.2.1

Train Of Four stimulation

short:
long:

press

(3)

Starts one TOF stimulation (on demand).

Starts repetitive TOF stimulation.

TOF stimulation occurs in 15 second cycles. The numeric display shows the trainof-four ratio in %, if all 4 responses were detected. When less than four responses
are detected or if the first twitch is less than 20%, only the number of responses is
displayed (without the % symbol). The TOF-Watch automatically excludes the use
of DBS and TOF for 12 s after the last TOF.
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4.2.2

1 Hz stimulation

press

short:
long:

(24)

Starts one stimulation (on demand).

Starts repetitive 1Hz stimulation.

The display shows the twitch height of the last response. However, this is only valid
when the twitch has been calibrated. If the TOF-Watch has not been calibrated
after switching on, the will flash together with the % and an internal reference
control twitch value is used for the calculation.

Hz

4.2.3

Post Tetanic Count stimulation (PTC)

press

(2)

Starts Post Tetanic Count (if allowed).

PTC starts with stimulations at a frequency of 1 Hz for 15 s. PTC is visible in
the display. When no responses are detected (i.e. when the neuromuscular block is
deep), this is followed by a 5 s 50 Hz stimulation. After a 3 s pause, stimulations
are performed at a frequency of 1 Hz for 15 s, while the number of detected
responses (Post Tetanic Count, updated after each stimulation) is shown in the
display. A short information beep indicates that the PTC is finished
The number of detected responses is shown on the display for 12 s after which
the TOF-Watch automatically enters the continuous TOF stimulation mode.

Post Tetanic Count can only be used when the responses to 1 Hz, 0.1 Hz or TOF
have disappeared (when the patient is deeply relaxed).
If the patient responds (more than five consecutive responses) during the first 15
stimulations, the TOF-Watch automatically switches to TOF-mode after 5 s.
The TOF-Watch automatically prevents the use of the PTC button for 2 minutes after
successful operation of PTC or TET. If activated before the time-out period has expired
an information beep will sound, PTC will be shown flashing for 5 s, if no other test

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is running, and the TOF-Watch automatically reverts to its original mode.

4.3
Secondary functions
Secondary functions can be activated by pressing the secondary function button (4) prior to a
stimulation button. If no stimulation buttons are activated within 5 s after pressing the
secondary function button, the TOF-Watch automatically reverts to primary mode. When the
secondary function button (4) is activated, the symbol will be shown on the display.
4.3.1

TOF s stimulation

first press
(4),
then
(3)

Starts repetitive TOF s stimulation.

TOF s stimulation is TOF stimulation with user programmable repetition time

between 1 and 60 minutes. To be used in the I.C.U. or during surgery of long
duration. The repetition time can be programmed in the set-up menu (see Set-up
menu, page 16).
Readout of result is the same as for normal TOF stimulation.

4.3.2

Programmable stimulation

first press
(4),
then
(2)

Starts one Programmed stimulation (if allowed).

The TOF-Watch also includes a user programmable button. The P-button can be
programmed to generate either Double Burst Stimulation (DBS) or 5 s of tetanic
(TET) stimulation (50 or 100 Hz in display). The set-up menu can be used to assign
either DBS3.2/DBS3.3, 50 Hz/100 Hz stimulation or no function (off) to the
P button (see Set-up menu on page 16).
Only tactile evaluation can be used to evaluate the patients relaxation for both
DBS and TET stimulation, as no registration is performed. The display shows the
stimulation strength in mA or C, but not the response.
The TOF-Watch automatically prevents the use of DBS and TOF for 20 s after the
last DBS.
The TOF-Watch automatically prevents the use of TET for 2 minutes after the last
TET or the last PTC.

Hz
mA

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mA

4.3.3

0.1 Hz stimulation button

first press
(4),
then
(24)

Starts repetitive 0.1 Hz stimulation.

The third secondary function is the 0.1 Hz stimulation. The display shows the
twitch height of the last response. However, this is only valid when the TOF-Watch
has been calibrated. If not, the flashes together with % and an internal
reference control twitch value is used for the calculation.

Hz

4.3.4

s button

first press
(4),
then
(4)

Change of stimulation pulse width.

4.3.5

The s function is used to toggle stimulation pulse width between 200 and 300 s
for neuromuscular monitoring.
300 s pulse width can be used if 200 s at 60 mA is not sufficient to produce
supra-maximal stimulation.
Changing the pulse width invalidates any previous calibration of the TOF-Watch .
Changing pulse width does not affect default setting selected in set-up menu
(see Set-up menu on page 16).

Sensitivity button

first press
(4),
then
(22)

Sensitivity of acceleration transducer.

Acceleration transducer sensitivity will be displayed for 5 s after selection of this
button. Sensitivity can be increased/decreased by pressing mA (C) up (21) or
down (23) during display of the sensitivity.
This function can be used to optimize twitch height percentage manually.
Sensitivity can be adjusted between 1 and 512, where 512 represents the most
sensitive setting. Sensitivity setting 157 is the default sensitivity.

Changing sensitivity invalidates any previous calibration of the TOF-Watch.

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4.3.6

TOF and TOF s Alarm

first press
(4),
then
(21)

TOF and TOF s alarm function.

The programmed TOF alarms can be silenced or activated by using this button.
The settings of the 2 TOF alarms (low and high) can be adjusted in the set-up
menu (see Set-up menu on page 16).
TOF alarm active

TOF alarm silenced

5 Set-up menu
The set-up menu can be activated and manipulated using the buttons described below:
mA (C) up (21) and down buttons (23)
( (

Notes:

Press both mA (C) up (21) and down (23) simultaneously to enter the set-up
menu or to store the setting.
The set-up mode can only be accessed when the TOF-Watch is stopped i.e. the
symbol is shown in the display.
The setting is permanently stored in the TOF-Watch, even when the battery is
removed.
Press either mA (C) up (21) or down (23) one at a time to modify the setting
of the parameter.
Calibration button (22)
Press the CAL button

(22) to go to next parameter to be modified.

To go back to the previous parameters press

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(4) and then

(22).

The following parameters can be changed in the set-up menu: Default settings are shown bold.
Set-up parameter:
TOF s flashing (TOF s repetition time)
3I:
TOF s repetition time can be adjusted between 1 and
60 minutes.

Surface electrode + stimulation flashing (stimulation units)

mA:
Surface electrode stimulation strength in milli-ampres.
C:
Surface electrode stimulation strength in micro-coulomb.

Surface electrode + stimulation flashing (pulse width)

200 s:
Default surface stimulation pulse width can be selected
to 200 or 300s.

Surface electrode + stimulation flashing (stimulation size)

50 mA:
Default surface electrode stimulation strength can be
adjusted between 0 and 60 mA (0 and 12/18 C).

Needle electrode + stimulation flashing (stimulation units)

C: Needle stimulation strength shown in micro-coulomb.
mA: Needle stimulation strength shown in milli-ampres.

Needle electrode + stimulation flashing (stimulation size)

0.0 C:
Default needle electrode stimulation strength can be
adjusted between 0.0 and 6.0 mA/0.24 C.

P flashing (P button function)

- - : no function assigned to P button
DBS 3.3:
DBS 3.3 stimulation assigned to P button
DBS 3.2:
DBS 3.2 stimulation assigned to P button
50 Hz:
50 Hz tetanic stimulation assigned to P button
100 Hz:
100 Hz tetanic stimulation assigned to P button
Lo + loudspeaker + transducer flashing (Low TOF alarm)
--:
Low TOF alarm not active
1-4:
Low TOF alarm will sound if the number of TOF
responses are below the number of set responses.
3 - 100%: Low TOF alarm will sound if the TOF ratio is below
set percentage.
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Set-up Display

Hi+ loudspeaker + transducer flashing (High TOF alarm)

--:
High TOF alarm not active
1-4:
High TOF alarm will sound if the number of TOF
responses are above the number of set responses.
3 - 99%:
High TOF alarm will sound if the TOF ratio is above
set percentage.
CAL flashing (calibration sequence selection)
2:
Determination of supra-maximal threshold, followed by
calibration of transducer sensitivity at threshold + 10%
( max. 60 mA or 12/18 C).
1:
Calibration of transducer sensitivity at user set
current/charge.
Loudspeaker flashing
0:
Stimulation beep off.
1:
Stimulation beep on.

6 Survey of display
Loudspeaker (10): used to indicate sound set-up.
Flashing 1 or 0 is used to indicate if beep is on or off.
Acceleration transducer (11; flashing). Absence of acceleration transducer or
unsteady/too low signal during calibration.
Bad surface electrode connection (12; flashing).

Surface electrode (12; flashing): Skin resistance too high.

Set-up:
Indicates set-up of stimulation strength for surface electrodes.
Needle electrode (13; flashing): Skin resistance too high.
Set-up:
Indicates set-up of stimulation strength for needle electrodes.
Stimulation in progress (14).

Time to next stimulation (14).

s (used when: changing stimulation pulse width) (26).

Hz

Frequency of stimulation pattern (16).

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C (used when: changing the stimulation strength, DBS, TET, LA and if no

acceleration transducer is detected) (17).

mA

mA (used when: changing the stimulation current, DBS, TET, LA and if no

acceleration transducer is detected) (18).

C (used when: indicating temperature) (27).

Flashing: Temperature dropped < 32 C, sensor has become disconnected.

Percent (used for TOF, 1 Hz and 0.1 Hz) (20).

TOF:
Ratio between first and fourth response.
1 Hz, 0.1 Hz:
Twitch height compared with reference value, flashing
symbol means that the instrument has not been
calibrated after switching on.

Second / shift mode (same symbol as on the button) (5).

Device calibrated (same symbol as on the button) (6).

Flashing symbol means that the instrument has not been calibrated after
switching on.
Device on / stopped (same symbol as on the button) (7).

Internal Error (9).

Battery empty (8).
Battery low (8).

com (flashing): Indicates interface communication problem.

TOF Watch has stopped transmission of data via interface.

19 | TOF-Watch SX Operator manual 33.512/A

7 Further information
7.1
Cleaning
The TOF-Watch case may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Thorough cleaning of the device can
be achieved by using a cloth moistured with either 70% ethanol, methanol, a chlorohexidine
solution or 0.5% hypochlorite. Other chemical cleaners may damage the case finish and are
not recommended. Do not use abrasive cleaners as these will damage the surface.
Do not allow liquid to enter the case.
7.2
Unusual patterns
Persisting responses - Direct stimulation:
If the thumb is influenced by direct stimulation of the muscles under the stimulation electrodes
this can result in an apparent response which does not disappear.
To eliminate this phenomenon the hand must be fixed in such a way that the muscle
stimulation does not result in a movement of the thumb. Alternatively try changing polarity or
position of the electrodes or try to lower the stimulation current.
Note: The TOF-Watch can show twitch responses higher than 100%.
Large twitch responses may occur especially when no calibration has been performed or for a
brief period of time after administration of a depolarizing relaxant.

8 Error signals
Whenever the TOF-Watch detects an error the stimulation is suspended and the user is alerted
by two short attention beeps followed by one of the following error symbols (Internal error and
Battery empty one long beep):
Flashing acceleration transducer symbol (11)
Normal mode:
Acceleration transducer has been removed.
Calibration mode:
Unstable or too low acceleration transducer signal.
Flashing bad surface electrode connection symbol (12)
All modes:
Missing or bad electrode connection.
Flashing surface electrode symbol (12)
All modes:
Skin resistance too high.
Flashing bad needle electrode connection symbol (13)
All modes:
Missing or bad electrode connection.
Flashing needle electrode symbol (13)
All modes:
Skin resistance too high.
+

Both symbols flashing simultaneously (12) + (13)

All modes:
No stimulation cable connected to TOF-Watch

20 | TOF-Watch SX Operator manual 33.512/A

Battery empty symbol (8)

All modes:
Battery empty.
Internal error symbol (9)
All modes:
Internal error detected.

9 Accessories

Standard (Included in TOF-Watch package)

Acceleration transducer and temperature sensor with (1.5 m) cable.
Stimulation cable (1.5 m) for surface electrodes.
Operating manual.

Optional
Clamp for IV-pole mount.
Stimulation cable (1.5 m) for a needle electrode (loco-regional anesthesia).
Surface electrodes.
TOF LINK optical interface with software for PC.

Spare parts
Acceleration transducer.
Thermistor (temperature sensor).
Cable for acceleration transducer and thermistor.
Stimulation cable (1.5 m) for surface electrodes.

21 | TOF-Watch SX Operator manual 33.512/A

10 Technical specifications
Microprocessor-controlled.
Custom design LCD with numerical presentation of twitch data.
Automatic calibration:

Automatic adjustment for optimal gain and 100%

reference.
Stimulation modes:
TOF (Train Of Four)
TOF s (Train Of Four) with programmable repetition time.
PTC (Post Tetanic Count)
1 Hz twitch
0.1 Hz twitch
DBS3.3 and 3.2 (Double Burst)
Tetanic stimulation (Burst), 5 s - 50 Hz or 100 Hz
Output (accuracy 5% of full scale value):
Surface electrodes
Constant current, 0 - 60 mA (0 - 12/18 C) up to 5 kOhm.
Monophasic, 200 s or 300 s pulse width.
Needle electrodes
Constant current, 0 - 6 mA or (0 - 0.24 C) up to 5 kOhm.
Monophasic, 40 s pulse width.
Acceleration transducer:
Acceleration transducer (accuracy 5% of full scale value).
Temperature sensor:
Range 20.0 - 41.5 C (accuracy 0.5 C)
Battery:
9V Alkaline or NiCd (6LR61 / 6AM6).
Supply voltage:
9V=, 220 mA max.
Type:
BF
Weight:
Dimensions:
Safety:
EMC:

Approximately 250 gram with battery.

200 x 90 x 50 mm.
Complies with IEC601-1.
Complies with EMC directive, 89/336/EEC, 10 part. 1
when used with standard or optional accessories.

11 Symbols
!

Attention, consult accompanying documents.

Type BF equipment.
IPXO

Degree of protection against ingress of water (non-protected).

Complies with Medical Device Directive, 93/42/EEC (class 2A).

0543

22 | TOF-Watch SX Operator manual 33.512/A

12 Warnings!

Caution (US only): Federal law restricts this device to use by or on the order of a
physician.
Do not use the TOF-Watch on patients with cardiac pacemakers without checking
that the stimulation does not influence the pacemaker.
Always make sure that no other equipment can touch the stimulation electrodes.
Cover the stimulation electrodes with insulating material so that, e.g., catheters
can never be exposed to stimulation.
Check each time before use that the material insulating the acceleration
transducer and the stimulation cable is intact and does not show signs of wear
and tear.
Never touch the electrodes unless the stimulation has been stopped.
When the display shows the stop symbol (7) there is no stimulation.
If this is not the case, press the
button (1).
Do not use the TOF-Watch in the presence of flammable anesthetics.
Simultaneous connection of a patient to high frequency surgical equipment may
result in burns at the site of the stimulator electrodes and possible damage to the
stimulator.
Operation in close proximity (e.g. 1 m) to short-wave or micro-wave therapy
equipment may produce instability in the stimulator output.
Do not stack the TOF-Watch directly on top of other electronic equipment.
If stacking is necessary, observe the TOF-Watch to verify normal operation before
applying it to the patient.
Patients with nerve damage, Bells palsy, Myasthenia gravis or other
neuromuscular problems may not respond properly to stimulation. The TOF-Watch
may show unusual patterns when monitoring relaxation in these patients.
Do not apply electrodes to patients in areas where inflammation or injury is
evident.
The TOF-Watch provides additional information on the patients condition as far
as relaxation is concerned. It does not replace any clinical judgment performed
hitherto, or any test made when no TOF-Watch was available.
Monitoring neuromuscular transmission or neuromuscular block can only be
performed using surface electrodes.
Be sure only to use CE marked electrodes.
Use of accessories, transducers, and cables other than the ones supplied with
TOF-Watch may result in degrade electromagnetic compatibility performance of
the device.

23 | TOF-Watch SX Operator manual 33.512/A