Correcting Tip Fold-Over; Preventing Tip Fold-Over - Philips EPIQ 7 User Manual

Tip Fold-Over Transesophageal Transducers

Correcting Tip Fold-Over

If you suspect the transducer tip is folded over, Philips' physician consultants recommend that
you gently try to manipulate the transducer. If the tip is neither locked nor jammed in a
doubled-over position, and you can move it forward, advance the transducer into the stomach.
Then straighten the tip and remove the transducer.
If you cannot move the tip in any direction, Philips' consultants recommend that you X-ray the
patient to evaluate the situation. You might also want to involve a gastroenterologist or
anesthesiologist.

Preventing Tip Fold-Over

The following steps can prevent the tip from folding over. This list is not exhaustive; other
factors can also be involved.
Using Correct Insertion Technique
You may find transducer insertion easier if you guide the transducer into the patient's mouth
with your fingers. You also may want to lock medial/lateral tip movement.
WARNING
All patients should wear a bite guard during a TEE exam. A bite guard protects against
dangerous transducer mechanical and electrical malfunction caused by involuntary biting.
Even anesthetized patients require bite guards to prevent damage to both their teeth and to
the transducer. For information on bite guards available from Philips, see "Bite Guards" on
page 233.
Avoid the following when inserting any TEE transducer into a patient:
• Any excessive flexion of the transducer tip, particularly in the medial/lateral direction
• Catching the tip in pharyngeal recesses
• Insertion when a patient is being uncooperative or is having a convulsion or spasm
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