Ultrasonic Console for a catheter to measure flow velocity

If a new Siemens controller is too expensive, then ask around other users for a "pre-loved" one. At least then you are still dealing with correct instrumentation and your calibrations and such should still be valid.

Second suggestion is that you hire the Siemens controller for the times when the lab needs one.

Failing that, then when you get the sensor energised and get return signal, you will have to calibrate it yourself by running known quantities of fluid through known cross sections of tube with the catheter and do this for multiple flow rates and tube diameters to develop your own calibration chart.

Ultimately it's a matter of comparing the cost to purchase against the cost of failure/inaccuracy. What's the cost of the new machine? What will be the cost if your results are incorrect by 5%? What would be the cost if your results are wrong by 10%? What's the cost if your incorrect results cause a fatal accident?

(Background: I spent 6 months calibrating "doppler" and electromagnetic flow transducers for measuring blood flow inside veins and arteries. Had to calibrate using blood, then saline, proove the conversion factors, proove reliability and repeatability of data and then check it all again.)

Personally, I'd either purchase or hire the RIGHT equipment. Whoever decided to use Siemens catheters should have recognised the need for the necessary controllers at that time.

Thanks for all the valuable suggestions.

We contacted Siemens but they are only willing to give us a one year lease at a ridiculously high price.

We are currently working an "rental" of a "pre-loved" .

I am also still looking around at other consoles and new intruments on Global Spec, but hardly any are catheter-compatible. If you happen to chance upon somthing, I'd greatly appreciate it if you let me know.

Thank you again for all your help!