WHEN WE NEED TO REPAIR THE PROBE ????

• Many of the probe damages are repairable at initial state. But in many cases the Practitioners fail to identify or avoid such small damages: and this lead to non repairable probe damage.
• How to identify whether your probe need a service or not.....??? for that observe the following.

1. Cracked lens / Air bubble on lens

• If your probe has such marks or air bubble inside it, you should get it repaired 

2. Cracked strain relief

• Once you noticed the separation of the strain relief from connector or head, don't wait to get it repaired. Once the sensitive insides are exposed, they can be easily damaged, leading to more costly repairs.

3. Cable sheath damage

•  Cuts or tears in the sheath can leads to serious probe damage and is also harmful for patients too. 

4. Broken locking system

5. Shadows and lights in image / Dropout

• It can be due to lens failure,cable failure or due to crystal failure. To identify the exact reason the probe need to be checked. All most all these problems are rectifiable.

6.  Artifacts on screen and Probe leakage

• The internal damages can be the reason for this. to identify the real reason you need to check the probe 

Ref : PROBE LOGIC,AUSTRALIA

PROBE FREQUENCIES AND APPLICATIONS

• Applications of the ultrasound probes are categorized based on their center frequency.
• Probes with higher frequencies have shorter wave length and are attenuated easily.
• For high penetration the frequency must be less.
• Higher frequency probes are used for scanning of superficial body structure.
• Lower frequency probes are used for scanning of deeper body parts.

PROBE FREQUENCY AND APPLICATIONS

1. 2.5 MHz

• Eg:- GE RAB2-5L
• Used for deep abdomen
• Obstetrics and gynecological application

2. 3.5 MHz

• Eg:- GE 3.5C
• General abdomen
• Obstetrics and gynecological application.

3. 5MHz

• Eg:- Philips  S5-1
• Vascular
• Infant cardiac applications

4. 7.5 MHz

• Eg:- GE L40
• Breast Scanning
• Thyroid

5. 10MHz

• Breast
• Thyroid
• Musculoskelton imaging
• Superficial masses
• Superficial veins

6. 15MHz

• Eg:- GE ML6-15 D
• Superficial structures
• Musculoskelton imaging

ULTRASOUND PROBE WIPES

• Cross contamination is a serious phenomenon in the case of ultrasound sonography.
• In may cases the ultrasound machines and probes may act as both source and vectors of pathogen, because they come into direct contact with patients and practitioners during scanning procedure.
• So it is necessary to keep them clean and sterilized
• Ultrasound wipes are one of the quick and easily usable disinfectant.

The main advantages of disinfecting wipe are :

1. Easy to use
2. Do not causing any damage to ultrasound system
3. Kills all kind of pathogens
4. Can use without gloves
5. Do not need any cleaning setup for any disinfection

Widely using ultrasound wipes are :

1. SONO ULTRASOUND WIPES

Features:

• Safe without gloves
• Tested on all major ultrasound manaufacturers
• LCD/Touch screen safe
• Ergonomic package designed specifically for Ultrasound Equipment
• Ultra-stick grip packaging
• Won't damage ultrasound probes, transducers or system
• Large 7x10 wipe size
• 12 packs per case

2. CLEANISEPT MAXI WIPES

Features :

• Alcohol free wipes
• Active against bactericidal (incl. MRSA) - yeasticidal - virus-deactivating (HBV, HIV, HCV, Rota, Papova-/Polyoma- and Vaccinia viruses
• Appearance: clear, colourless solution
•  pH-value: 6 - 8 
• Flowpack with 80 wipes (20 x 22 cm)
• 100 g solution CLEANISEPT® WIPES LIQUID contain as active ingredients: 0.25 g didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride 0.50 g quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-C12-16-alkyldimethyl-, chlorides

3. PROTEX ULTRA WIPES

 Features:

• Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria in 15 seconds
• Disinfects in just 4 minutes
• Effective on 40 different pathogens
• Starts killing on contact
• Cleans AND disinfects in one easy step
• Will not harm most hard, nonporous surfaces
• Alcohol, bleach, and solvent free
• Accepted for use by manufacturers of ultrasound equipment
• 60 ct Softpack, 6.5" x 6.0" non-abrasive wipes, 12 per box 

4. MATRIX WIPES

Features :

• Matrix™ Wipes are a Biofilm Removing Detergent Wipe that are ideal for pre-cleaning ultrasound probes used in non-invasive and intra-cavity procedures.
• Ready to use Biofilm Removing Detergent Wipes 
• Contain Matrix™ biofilm removing solution (a patented formulation of surfactants specifically designed for removing biological soils and biofilms). 
• Apetured wipes to ensure sufficient density for removing gross organic soiling. 
• Conveniently packaged (with an optional wall bracket available)
• Packsize available: 80 wipes (190x200mm) 

ULTRASOUND LEAKAGE TESTER

• In the case of ultrasound equipment , electrical safety is the primary consideration for patient's safety.
• The leakage testers are specially designed to test the electrical safety to all type of diagnostic ultrasound transducers.
• This equipment measures the capacitive leakage current and the integrity of the outer insulation barrier of the transducer.
• The available leakage testers are :

BC Group's ULT-2000 series

Features :

• Large graphic display 
• Selectable options and parameter setup
• User-selectable source (challenge) voltage (90 to 275 VAC)
• User-selectable source (challenge) frequency (50 or 60 Hz)
• User-selectable test limits by ultrasound transducer manufacturer and model
• 1% FS measurement accuracy
• Auto ranging with 10, 250, or 500 mA FS
• Automatic internal self test 
• Single button press for full system test
• Simple PASS / FAIL mode – for non-technical users
• Analytical mode – for technical users
• Digital calibration – no pots to turn
• Battery life display (0 to 100%)
• Programmable backlight timer
• Flash-upgradeable firmware
• RS-232
• PC software (limit configuration tool)
• Serial printer output with programmable user header
• Real time clock

Fluke Biomedical's ULT800

Features :

• Power: Single 9-volt Alkaline Battery 
• Number of uses: Approximately 1,000 uses on a single battery 
• Conductivity: Limit to pass: greater than 133 µA ± 1% 
• Leakage: Limit to pass: less than 185 µA ± 1% but greater than 20 µA ± 1% 
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches (17 x 10 x 4 cm) 
• Weight: 12 ounces (340 grams) 
• Environmental: Operating 
• Temperature: 15° to 40° C 
• Storage Temperature: 15° to 65° C 
• Relative Humidity: 90% Maximum

Dale Technology's DALE 800B

Features:

• Best for TEE transducer

SECULIFE UL

Features :

• Tests the upper & lower leakage current limits per ultrasound mfr. specifications 
• Programmable Test Limits based on ultrasound transducer mfr. & type 
• Auto ranging for enhanced accuracy over entire range 
• Range 0.5 to 500 µA 
• Large graphic display w/ backlight 
• User-selectable Test Limits 
• 1% F.S. range accuracy 
• Press one button for full system test 
• Selectable Pass/Fail or Numerical Test Results 
• Flash Programmable, Field Upgradeable 
• RS232 Interface 
• Test results printable with optional printer 
• On-board storage for up to 99 Test Records 
• Audio-Visual Test Status Notification 
• Meter mode for extended measurement periods 
• Custom Limit setting (Included in Software) 
• Test report function (Included in Software) 
• Datalog with storage of 99 test records 
• PC Utility Software for Configuration Setup & Remote Control 
• Programmable meter timer 
• Programmable meter source (challenge) voltage and frequency 
• User-Selectable Challenge (Test) Voltage (90-275 V AC) & Frequency (50 or 60 Hz) 
• On-Board Clock & Calendar Function for Date/Time Stamp of Test Records

HAND HELD FORCE CONTROLLED ULTRASOUND PROBE

• Currently ultrasound probe acquisition states are manually controlled by ultrasound sonographer. ome times it can be leads to imaging variations, because he acquisition state at any given time is not repeatable at a later time.
• The hand held force controlled system is the solution for such problems.
• The controlling the acuisition state through real time feedback leads to more consistent ultrasound image and safer  medical procedures.
• It is introduced by Mathew Gilbertson, Brian Anthony and Shih-Yu-Sun of MIT

WORKING

• The device consist of an ultrasound probe mounted to a backlash free ball screw actuator and driven by a compact servo motor, maintains a prescribed contact force between the ultrasound probe and the patient’s body.
• The control system consist of force controller and position controller always maintain the actuator centered within the range of motion ,hence prevent the repeated making and breaking of probe-patient contact.

ADVANTAGES

• Maintains a constant contact force between the ultrasound probe and patient’s body.
• Provides controlled acquisition state ,hence improves imaging quality.
• Easier to control & more user friendly
• Provides the user with visual and audio feedback, informing them the position, orientation, and contact force of the device.
• Provides push buttons on the device itself, enabling the user to initiate events (e.g., data recording, zeroing the angle) without needing to interact with a computer; hence users can focus on the device rather than the computer screen.
• Fits comfortably in an ultrasound technician’s hand

System setup

To watch the working of the system click here

SOME LAPAROSCOPIC PROBES

1. SIEMENS ACUSON P300 LP323

• Frequency range : 4-13 MHz
• Selectable THI(TEI) frequencies and penetration
• Articulation : +/- 90 degree up or down ,  +/- 90 degree left or right

2. HITACHI- L44LA

• Linear laparoscopic 4- way probe
• Frequency range : 2-13 MHz
• Compatible with : AIETTA Systems

3. HITACHI- L44LA1

• Linear laparoscopic rigid probe
• Frequency range : 2-13MHz
• Compatible with : AIERTTA Systems

4. HITACHI- EUP-OL334

• Convex laparoscopic probe
• Frequency range : 5-10 MHz
• Compatible with : HI VISION Systems

5. HITACHI- UST-5418

• Linear laparoscopic 4-way probe
• Frequency range : 2-13 MHz
• Compatible with : Prosound Systems

6. HITACHI- UST-5550

• Linear laparoscopic 2-way probe
• Frequency range : 2-13 MHz
• Compatible with : Prosound Systems

7. HITACHI- UST-52109

• Rigid end fire Laparoscopic sector probe
• Frequency range : 2-13MHz
• Compatible with : Prosound Systems

8. BK MEDICAL 8666-RF

• 4-Way laparoscopic probe
• Frequency range : 4.3-10 MHz
• Flexible for difficult to reach areas

9. BK MEDICALS I12C4f

• 4-way laparoscopic probe
• Frequency range : 4-12 MHz
• Ethanol or contrast agent injections

10. BK MEDICALS  8836

• Rigid convex laparoscopic probe
• Frequency range : 5-12 MHz
• Compatible with modern sterilization methods

To know about more Laparoscopic probes contact us

ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER CHARACTERISTICS FOR IMAGING

1. ACOUSTIC WINDOW

•  Standard acoustic window provides an unobstructed view of organ or region.
• Typical windows are located in or on the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, vessels and various orifices of the body.
• Transducer can associated with certain regions through latin prefixes like:

Trans :- through or across  

Intra : - Into or inside

Endo :- within. 

• For example Transthoracic means Image through chest.
• For each type of acoustic window; a particular type transducer is used to get the required sonographic data.
• Eg:- phased arrays are used for transthoracic window and convex arrays are used for abdominal window.

An acoustic window showing artery and vain

2. PENETRATION 

• Penetration is the minimum scan depth at which electronic noise is visible; despite optimization of available control.
• It can be primarily determined by the center of the frequency of the transducer.
• That is the transducer having high frequency will have low penetration.

Relationship between frequency and penetration

3. SPACIAL RESOLUTION

• It is the ability to discern the smallest possible dimension in both axial and lateral directions.
• Axial resolution refers to the ability to distinguish two structures that lie along the axis (i.e. parallel) of the ultrasound beam as separate and distinct.
• Axial resolution is determined by the pulse length.
• Lateral resolution refers to resolution of objects lying side by side (i.e., perpendicular to the beam axis).
• Lateral resolution is directly related to the transducer beam width, which in turn is inversely related to the ultrasound frequency.

4. TRANSDUCER PARAMETERS

• It includes:

1. Efficiency
2. Signal to Noise Ratio,
3. Absorbtion of the tissues
4. Band width 
5. Number of elements in transducer etc.