On this page, we have collected an overview of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Cortrium C3⁺ Holter Monitor and Cortrium Apex.
How long does the charging process take until the C3⁺ is fully charged?
The C3⁺ automatically charges as soon as it is connected to the computer or charger via the micro USB cable. PLEASE NOTE: DC voltage of 4.75-5.5 volts. (The speed of the charging process may depend on the computer the C3+ is connected to). Depending on the charger and the battery level, it may take up to approx. 2 hours until the LED lights of the C3+ lights up green indicating that the battery is fully charged. A 7-day-recording requires a charging time of the C3+ of approx. two hours.
Does the C3⁺ automatically switch off once you remove it?
No, the C3⁺ will only automatically switch off after the preset period of time (e.g. 1 to 7 days)
What kind of battery does the C3⁺ contain?
The C3⁺ Holter Monitor contains a non-replaceable, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. You can find information regarding the battery disposal here.
How long does the battery last?
Cortrium offers a 2-year warranty on the hardware. The actual lifetime of each battery depends on the individual usage, meaning on the frequency of unloading, charging and total emptying etc. Therefore, no more specific information can be given. We are currently assuming a lifetime of the C3⁺ Holter Monitor of 5 years.
How should the C3⁺ be cleaned?
As indicated in the instructions for use, mild detergents as commonly used to clean conventional electronic devices can also be used on the C3+ Holter Monitor.
In addition, alcohol swabs / cotton fleece (normal practice supplies, 70% isopropyl alcohol, e.g. ALKOTIP) can be used for cleaning.
Does the patient need to recharge the C3⁺ Holter Monitor during a 7-day recording?
No, this is not necessary. The C3+ Holter Monitor has a seven-day battery life, which makes it possible to do up to 7-day recordings. The Holter should be charged at the socket for about 2 hours before you start a long-term recording until a constant green light is indicating a fully charged device. Besides this, the charge status of the battery is always visible at the charge level indicator in the DTT.
Incomplete recordings of the C3⁺ Holter Monitor can be explained by a low charge level of the device
The LED lights can light up green before the battery is fully charged to 100%. For this reason, the charge status of the battery should also be checked via the charge level indicator in the DTT before and after performing a recording. If the battery is completely discharged, the device should be connected to a power source for two hours straight before starting a new recording.
The C3⁺ seems to be broken - what to do?
Please contact our customer support immediately and explain your difficulties.
You can find all contact information here.
Where should broken C3⁺ Holter monitors be returned within the warranty period?
Broken C3+ Holter Monitors are to be sent to our headquaters in Denmark.
The address:
Cortrium ApS
Att. Andreas Freiler
Erik Husfeldts Vej 7
DK-2630 Taastrup
Denmark
The devices are tested there and may be confirmed that the device is broken.
Is it possible to return a C3⁺ Holter Monitor to Cortrium in order to replace its battery?
No, because the C3+ Holter Monitor contains a rechargeable battery, which is maintenance-free and will not be replaced.
Do one needs to take off the C3⁺ Holter Monitor before taking a shower?
The C3+ Holter Monitor is water resistant (IP 54 rating) but should be removed from the patient's chest before taking a shower. In order to ensure that the same recording is continuously recorded after you have finished your bath, you should take care that the C3+ Holter Monitor is not off your chest for longer than 1 hour. Otherwise, you may start a new separate recording on the device. In addition, you need three new electrodes after each shower you take, which you should attach to your dried off skin to ensure a strong recording signal.
How do women with big breasts wear the C3⁺ Holter Monitor?
For women with big breasts, the C3+ Holter Monitor can easily be placed further up on the sternal line, in order to do so simply move the C3+ Holter Monitor further up on the sternum and attach the device by using three electrodes above the breasts (close to the neckline).
What is the difference between the analysis software Cardiomatics and Cardioline?
Cardiomatics is a cloud-based analysis that generates automated ECG reports based on the exported raw ECG recording data. All nine cardiac arrhythmias that are required by the association of statutory health insurance physicians in Germany for the settlement of an analysis can be displayed. Cardiomatics is ideal for all the doctors who want to be supported in providing a fast analysis of a long-term ECG such as general practitioners und internists.
Cardioline is a software that is permanently installed on your own computer (based on a license and a dongle) which generates semi-automated analysis reports of the ECG recording and generates customizable reports.
Both analysis software solutions create a PDF report, which can be added to each patient file via "drag & drop". The structure of the reports is standardized; the content is derived from the raw ECG data.
What doees a subscription cost?
Please send us an email to support@cortrium.com - we are happy to provide you with further information.
Cortrium Apex is our new software that lets you manage your C3⁺ Holter Monitor, your recordings and your reports within a simple application.
Why does the analysis report show many artifacts?
There can be several reasons for this:
a) A lead off, thus a lack of physical contact between the electrodes and the chest of the patient. This can lead to artifacts in the analysis report. Therefore, a good recording requires to be well prepared. This means shaving the chest of the patient, cleaning the skin on the chest and using alcohol swabs / cotton fleece (regular practice supplies, 70% isopropyl alcohol, e.g. ALKOTIP) to optimize the adhesion of the three electrodes onto the patient's body. In addition, the electrodes / Holter should be placed in a position that is as little exposed to normal body movements as possible. In addition, the anatomy of the patient must be taken into account (abdominal circumference, breast size, chest shape).
b) Electrodes
It is important to ensure that only new electrodes with a diameter of 55mm are used, which are also suitable for recording long-term ECGs. We recommend e.g. the Conmed Cleartrace LT disposable electrode for long-term ECGs or single-use electrode Ambu Blue Sensor type L-00-M. Why? Once a bag of electrodes has been opened, the gel on the electrodes may dry out after some time and the adhesion may be affected by that.
Are the analysis reports from Cardiomatics and Cardioline available in both German and English?
Yes, and even in additional languages.
How big are the report files created by Cardiomatics and Cardioline?
Cardiomatics: The reports in PDF format of 24 and 48 hour recordings are approximately 1 MB. The PDF report of a 7-day recording can be up to 1 GB in size.
Cardioline: Usually longer PDF reports are generated here, which are approx. 8-10 MB.