Thymatron
The following is an
actual advertisement for the Thymatron[TM], an ECT device from Somatics, Inc.
The company is owned by Dr. Richard
Abrams, author of Electroconvulsive Therapy, considered to be
the definitive ECT text.
Is it a conflict of interest for one of the top "experts" on ECT
to write the definitive text, setting standards of practice in ECT, while
making money on the machine that fits his perfect criteria? The publisher of
his book, Oxford University Press, was shocked to hear that he owned Somatics.
He says he didn't tell them because he didn't think of it. He says it's no big
deal.
In the text of the ad below you will find links to additional information
on that terminology. The information comes from the 1992 edition of Abrams'
book, the latest edition.
The Thymatron[TM]: Description and Specifications
* A single dial sets the treatment stimulus: you can just set it to your
patient's age to automatically deliver the recommended dose of electricity.
* A light-emitting impedance meter instantly tells
you if the treatment electrodes are properly and safely applied at any time,
even when the patient is awake. * The patented Audible EEG[TM] monitors the seizure without the need for EEG
expertise or paper. Demonstrated to be highly reliable and valid, the Audible
EEG[TM] is built in to
every Thymatron[TM].
* You can treat as quickly as you need to with the Thymatron[TM]. There are
never any annoying waits for warmup or stimulus override.
* An optional plug-in EEG recorder provides a permanent paper record of the
seizure. This instrument can also record the EKG, with full limb and chest
lead capability.
* A remote treatment foot switch is available to enable the single operator to
administer unilateral ECT safely and conveniently.
* Readily portable, the
Thymatron[TM] in its optional fitted case weighs only 15 lbs.
* The brief pulse square wave stimulus delivers all voltage over the seizure
threshold, producing significantly less memory loss and EEG
disturbance than the obsolete sine wave stimulus, without any loss of
therapeutic benefit.
* Four seconds of pulsed stimulation can be given with the Thymatron[TM],
providing the extra energy required to treat the difficult cases.
* The Thymatron[TM] safeguards against accidental electrical discharge with a
hinged flip-up cover over the treatment button, and audible and visible
stumulus (sic) indicators.
* The Underwriters Laboratories listed construction protects against excessive
electrical current, isolating the patient from the electrical line through
relays, fuses and a power-limiting transformer.
* The pulsewidth is preset at 1 millisecond, the optimal for ECT.
* Stimulus settings are precision fine-tuned by equal click stop increments;
the constant current ensures that each setting corresponds to a specific
electrical charge.
* In an illustrated treatment manual, Drs. Richard Abrams and Conrad Swartz
take you step by step through a fully documented description of how to give
ECT with the Thymatron [TM]. A full discussion includes indications,
precautions, contraindications, and the management of side-effects and
complications.
* In an inservice demonstration color videotape, Dr. Richard Abrams
illustrates exactly how to use the Thymatron[TM] and its accessories.
* An illustrated service manual is included which explicitly guides your
maintenance department through all the recommended testing procedures.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A FREE LOAN OF DR. ABRAMS' DEMONSTRATION VIDEOTAPE,
PHONE OR WRITE TO US
SOMATICS, INC.
910 Sherwood Drive Unit 18
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Interstate toll-free 800-642-6761
THERE'S ONE Thymatron [TM]
BECAUSE THERE'S ONE BEST WAY TO GIVE
ECT
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