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HD11 XE Getting Started
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TEE Transducers
Tip Fold-Over
On rare occasions, the OmniPlane TEE transducer tip can fold over during inser-
tion. The effects can be serious if the situation is handled incorrectly. The esopha-
gus can be scraped, perforated, or otherwise damaged. Read the following
guidelines to better understand the problem and how to avoid it.
Preventing Tip Fold-Over
The following factors can cause the tip to fold over. This list is not exhaustive;
other factors can also be involved.
Incorrect 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.
CAUTION
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 dam-
age to both their teeth and to the transducer. For information on bite guards
available from Philips, see “Bite Guards” on page 235.
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
Patient Esophageal Pathology
Carefully review a patient’s medical history for obstructing pathologies or ana-
tomical irregularities before performing a TEE exam.
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