A comprehensive strategy to avoid transesophageal echocardiography probe damage

Abstract

To describe the factors predisposing to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe damage and to propose a strategy aimed at preventing damage to the TEE probe. Description of equipment and procedures: Damage to the TEE probe can occur anywhere and anytime during use in the operating room (OR) or when the probe is not in use in the OR, such as in the cleaning room, during storage or during transport of the probe. The components of the strategy used in our institution to avoid probe damage are: 1) storage of the probe in a dedicated holder in the OR when it is not in use, 2) use of a lexan box in the OR to protect the probe connector, 3) use of a custom-made holder when the probe is inserted in the patient, 4) use of a dedicated holder for soiled TEE probe storage in the cleaning room and for subsequent probe storage. We describe a comprehensive strategy designed to decrease TEE probe damage and the associated expenses. Further studies will be required to determine the effectiveness of the proposed measures.