Junichi Imamura

Clinical Usefulness of the Personal Computer for Equilibrium Examinations

A personal computer (PC) system and its usefulness for equilibrium examinations is reported. The system was introduced into clinical routine practice for the following purposes: i) Reduction of test result measurement troubles in clinical practice, ii) Clearer observation of eye movements and body sway, iii) Quantitative analysis of nystagmus responses or body sway, iv) Easy introduction into clinical practice of new parameters or new tests, v) Programmable arrangement of stimulating devices, and vi) Effective storage of test data. Our PC system has been successful for these purposes and provided many useful options in equilibrium examinations. Although computer systems for equilibrium examination have not been popular due to high costs, the PC system, which can be obtained at a reasonable price, has become as powerful a device as the conventional small computer, and is expected to become a popular method for both research and routine clinical practice in the near future.

Hazard to Endotracheal Tubes by CO2 Laser Beam

Ignition or combustion of the endotracheal tube during CO2 laser microlaryngo surgery may cause fatal lung disorders. We undertook an experiment on ignition and combustion of endotracheal tubes by CO2 laser beam and came to the following conclusions: (a) the silicon endotracheal tube was nonflammable; (b) the spiral endotracheal tube was also nonflammable; (c) a pulse wave was recommended and 3-second intervals were necessary; (d) four sheets of moist gauze were necessary to prevent cuff trouble, and (e) it was advisable to set the O2 concentration below 25% when using the silicon endotracheal tube.

Database System for Equilibrium Examination

We developed a database system for equilibrium examination by personal computer (NEC PC-9801). About 1800 recordings were made over 3 years. Items registered are identification of the patient, clinical history, diagnosis, results of equilibrium examination, and audiological findings. A summary of each test is also stored for later reference. In our department, a computer system using PDP-11/34 to analyze equilibrium examination is introduced into the clinical routine. The results of computer analysis were transferred to the database system through the serial line, and all other items were input from the keyboard. The system has such functions as picking up cases satisfying specified conditions, counting cases, making histograms or calculating average and correlation; and is able to exchange data with general application programs on personal computer.

An application of the microcomputer as a generator of target movements for the eye tracking test (ETT)

We have developed a new system to produce target movements for our particular purposes using a microcomputer and 9-bit digital-to-analog converter. A continuously changing sinusoidal wave was produced to examine the relationship between the frequencies of target movements and smooth pursuit. A random sinusoidal wave was produced to make clear the predictive function of smooth pursuit.