CAS Medical Systems 750 Monitor (800) 227-4414 writeOutLink("www.casmed.com",1) Price: $4,350 FYI: The compact, mobile 750 features large digits, brightness control, color-coded fields and direct function keys to better facilitate operation and access to information, says the company. The unit can store up to 480 events and trends for review and documentation; access to information is available for up to 24 hours and can be printed to an optional infrared printer.

Whether you're buying for a hospital department, a freestanding ASC or an office-based surgical suite, your vital signs monitor needs are pretty basic: It needs to meet the standards of care for the procedures you perform. If you're doing any sedation, for instance, a monitor that tracks blood pressure, EKG, pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 and temperature is indispensable. For minor local procedures, on the other hand, you probably don't need end tidal CO2 monitoring or some of the other bells and whistles available.