Punctures Or Cracks; Electrosurgical Units; Exam Considerations; Bite Guards - Siemens Acuson S1000 Instructions For Use Manual

6 T r a n s e s o p h a g e a l T r a n s d u c e r

Punctures or Cracks

Punctures or cracks in the outer layer of the transducer could expose the patient's esophagus
to chassis leakage current and cause the patient to be at the chassis ground potential. If this
occurs, the transducer will no longer meet the requirements of a type BF classification. The
transducer would no longer be a "floating" part and would fail a dielectric test. Provided that the
internal grounding mechanism within the ultrasound system's power cord is intact and the cord
is connected to a properly grounded wall outlet, there is little hazard to the user or patient from
the system's leakage current. However, since the patient would now be at ground potential,
leakage currents from other devices within the patient's environment could travel through the
patient, compromising the safety to the patient or operator. If punctures or cracks in the outer
layer of the transducer are observed, contact your local Siemens representative.

Electrosurgical Units

WARNING: Use only isolated output electrosurgical units with the transesophageal transducer
and disconnect the transducer when it is not in use. Failure to follow these procedures can result
in esophageal burns for the patient, damage to the equipment, and unreliable data.
Use only electrosurgical units that have isolated outputs. If possible, use
return-fault/ground-fault detection circuits, which provide extra protection.
Electrosurgical units and other operating room devices that do not have isolated outputs can
introduce radio frequency electromagnetic fields or currents into the patient. The transducer is
susceptible to these radio frequencies, which can interfere with the 2D-mode image and can
completely override the color flow image, making it useless for diagnostic purposes.
In addition, any failure to an electrosurgical unit or other device, including the transesophageal
transducer, could cause electrosurgical currents to return along the transducer's conductors. As
a result, the patient could suffer from burns to the esophageal membranes. This arcing could
also damage the transducer. To reduce the risk of leakage currents and electrosurgical
interference, disconnect the transesophageal transducer from the ultrasound system when it is
not in use.
Where isolation of electrosurgical units is in question, consult the manual for each
electrosurgical unit or contact the biomedical engineering group.

Exam Considerations

Bite Guards

WARNING: Follow the bite guard manufacturer's instructions to clean, disinfect, and rinse the
bite guard if you use a reusable bite guard. Any disinfectant remaining on the reusable bite
guard can burn the patient's mouth.
Bite guards are provided with the transducer for use with patients who will be awake during the
exam. These guards are also available from third-party providers.
Do not use the provided bite guard with anesthetized patients. Use a separately purchased bite
guard that has a space for taping an endotracheal tube to the guard.
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