If you cannot move the tip in any direction, Philips’s 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.
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
damage to both their teeth and to the transducer. For information on bite guards
available from Philips, see "Bite Guards" on page 292.
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
Reviewing Patient Esophageal Pathology
Carefully review a patient's medical history for obstructing pathologies or
anatomical irregularities before performing a TEE exam.
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Transesophageal Transducers
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