Use, disinfection, and storage of transesophageal probes for ultrasound equipment

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes are precisely structured, expensive to manufacture, and directly enter the human body during use. Therefore, they have higher requirements than conventional two-dimensional probes in terms of operation, disinfection, maintenance, and storage.

1. Before each TEE examination, carefully check the probe and use the controller on the probe handle. If the probe malfunctions, stop using the probe and contact your Philips service representative.

2. Before each TEE examination, check if the subject meets the indications for TEE examination.

3. Before each TEE examination, check if the subject's body temperature is normal. If the body temperature is abnormal, please set the patient's body temperature to avoid esophageal tissue burns.

4. During the examination, if high-power modes such as Live3D, color, tissue harmonic imaging, and Doppler are used, the probe temperature will increase faster than in two-dimensional imaging mode. After acquiring images in the above modes, please switch to two-dimensional mode in time to prevent the TEE probe temperature from rising too quickly.

5. During the examination, if the TEE probe temperature exceeds 42.5 degrees, the machine will enter automatic cooling mode. Please switch to two-dimensional mode and immediately press the Freeze (image freeze) button to freeze the image.

II. Six Taboos for Disinfection of TEE Probes

1. Do not sterilize the probe using methods such as autoclaves, ultraviolet radiation, gamma rays, gases, steam, or heating sterilization.

2. Do not bend the shaft into a circle with a diameter less than 0.30 meters.

3. Do not use bleach and isopropanol-based products on the probe cable and shaft.

4. Do not soak the probe for a long time. Limit the immersion time of the probe in the disinfectant solution to the shortest time recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer.

5. Do not rinse or immerse the control cover, cable, or probe connection parts.

6. Do not immerse or rinse the probe operating device. The probe operating device is not sealed. If disinfectant or other liquids enter the operating device, this will corrode the gears and electrical connections.

▲Location 1  This part enters the patient's esophagus and needs to be disinfected by soaking in disinfectant; currently, glutaraldehyde is more common. The soaking time should not be too long, and the shortest soaking time recommended on the disinfectant instructions is recommended.

▲Location 2   This part cannot be soaked, and disinfectants with alcohol as the active ingredient should not be used; it is recommended to use alcohol-free disinfectants for spraying or wiping disinfection, such as disinfectants with hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient (hydrogen peroxide, concentration not exceeding 0.5%).

▲Location 3   This part can be disinfected by spraying or wiping with medical alcohol with a concentration not exceeding 70%.

1. When not using the TEE probe, please place the probe on the bracket on the side of the machine or on a securely fixed wall mount.

2. Before placing the probe, please ensure that the bracket is clean.

3. Avoid placing the probe in areas where the temperature may be too high or too low, and avoid direct sunlight.

4. Please store the TEE probe separately from other equipment to avoid accidental damage.

5. When storing the probe, please use the cable clips to organize and secure the probe cable.

6. Before storing the probe, ensure that the TEE probe is completely dry.

7. Before storing the probe, check that the tip of the probe is always kept straight.

8. Do not store the TEE in the probe box unless you are moving the probe to another location.

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