MACpalm version 1.0

 

Age related MAC calculator

 

Instruction Manual

 

Introduction

 

MACpalm is a palm implementation of the nomograms published in "Age-related iso-MAC charts for Isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane in man" by Nickalls and Mapleson, in BJA 91(2) 170-4 (2003).

 

Given the patient’s age, end-tidal nitrous concentration and chosen volatile agent, it allows calculation of the required end-tidal concentration of volatile agent to achieve a particular MAC, allowing for the fall in MAC that occurs with increasing age. It also allows the reverse, that is calculation of MAC given the ET volatile concentration.

 

Simply enter the known variables, the other is calculated automatically.

 

What do you receive?

1. This manual (Microsoft Word “doc” file).

2. The Program (Palm program file: “MACpalm.prc”)

3. MathLib – a set of mathematical calculation functions used by MACpalm (Palm program file: “MathLib.prc”)

 

Installation

A. Requirements

Any Palm based PDA running Palm OS 3.5 or later

Palm RAM: about 50K free

Standard Palm software, including install tool

 

B. Procedure

1. Locate the file you downloaded called “MACpalm.prc”

2. Double click this file

3. On the following screen, choose the hotsync name for your device, and then click OK.

 

 

 

4. On the following screen, click on the button labeled “Done”.

 

 

 

5. Locate the file “MathLib.pdc”

6. Double click on this file and repeat the above processes

7. Perform a HotSync between your PC and your Palm.

8. Find the “MACpalm” icon in the your Palm launcher

9. Run and use MACpalm

 

MACpalm is a freeware application.

 

 

The Main Screen

The main screen allows you to enter variables to enable calculations.   You must enter: Patient age Volatile agent used End-tidal nitrous (%)   And either: Desired MAC End-tidal volatile concentration (%)   The other of these two that you do not enter will be calculated automatically.   Volatiles are chose from a list of volatiles for which data is available.   Nitrous and MAC values can be chose from a drop down list of commonly used values, or entered directly into the field for other values. ET volatile must be entered directly into the field.   All calculations occur automatically.

 

Disclaimer

I use MacPalm and I have taken every care to ensure it works as described and produces accurate and reliable results. However, the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by this software cannot be guaranteed. This software is to be used as a guide only, and health care professionals should use sound clinical judgment and individualize therapy to each specific patient care situation.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE AND ITS DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF THE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

THE AUTHOR SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED IS ON AN "AS IS" BASIS, AND THE AUTHOR HAS NO OBLIGATIONS TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, UPDATES, ENHANCEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS.

You should not use MACpalm if you are not happy with this disclaimer.

Revision History

 

Version 1.0: October 2003: Initial Release

 

About the Author

My name is Dr Chris Jones. I an Anaesthetist (an "Anesthesiologist" in North America) living in Sydney, Australia, based at St George Hospital. I have been programming computers since my father bought an Exidy Sorceror in 1977 when I was 9 years old. I have been using a Palm since late 1998, and programming the Palm since 2000.

Please feel free to email me with any comments, bug reports or suggestions.

 

Other programs are available from www.aetherpalm.com.