GE Vivid 7 User Manual

							Probes
Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual367
FC092326-03
Disconnecting the probe
To disconnect probes:
1. Rotate the lock handle counter-clockwise to the horizontal 
position to unlock the connector.
The probes that are 
not connected to the 
unit should be 
stored in their stor-
age case.2. Remove the connector from the port.
3. Ensure that the probe head is clean before placing the 
probe in its storage case.
CAUTIONMake sure that the probe and application names displayed on the 
screen correspond to the actual probe and application selection.
Check that the correct TI category is displayed (see ’Thermal 
Index’ on page 471). TIB must be displayed when a fetal 
application is selected. 
						

							Probes
368Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual
FC092326-03
Care and Maintenance
This section covers:
• Planned maintenance
• Probe inspection
• Probe cleaning
• Probe disinfection
Planned maintenance
It is recommended to keep a maintenance log and note all 
probe malfunctions. Follow the maintenance schedule below to 
ensure optimum operation and safety:
After each use:
•  Inspect the probe
•  Clean the probe
•  If required disinfect the probe
Before each use:
•  Inspect the probe
CAUTIONImproper handling can lead to early probe failure and electric 
shock hazards.
DO follow the specific cleaning and disinfection procedures 
provided in this chapter and the germicide manufacturers 
instructions.
Failure to do so will void probe warranty.
CAUTIONTransesophageal and intraoperative probes require a special 
handling. Refer to the user documentation enclosed with these 
probes. 
						

							Probes
Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual369
FC092326-03
Inspecting the probe    
After each use:
1. Inspect the lens, the probe housing and the cable 
(Figure 10-4.
2. Look for damage that might allow liquid into the probe.
Before each use:
1. Inspect the lens, the probe housing and the cable 
(Figure 10-4).
2. Look for damage that might allow liquid into the probe.
3. Test the functionality of the probe.
 Figure 10-4: Probe parts
CAUTIONIf any damage is found, DO NOT use the probe until it has been 
inspected and released for further use by a GE service 
representative.
1. Housing
2. Strain relief
3. Seal
4. Lens 
						

							Probes
370Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual
FC092326-03
Cleaning and disinfecting probes
Cleaning probes
Cleaning procedure
1. Disconnect the probe from the unit.
2. Remove the coupling gel by wiping the probe lens with a 
soft cloth.
3. Wipe the probe and cable with a soft cloth moisten in a 
warm soap and water solution (
						

							Probes
Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual371
FC092326-03
endocavity (TV,TR,TE) probes after contact with mucosal 
membrane.
High-level disinfection procedure
Follow the manu-
facturers instruc-
tions for storage, 
use and disposal of 
the disinfection so-
lution.1. Prepare the germicide solution according to the 
manufacturers instructions.
2. Place the cleaned dried probe in contact with the germicide 
for the time duration specified by the manufacturer.
3. Rinse the part of the probe which was in contact with the 
germicide according to the germicide manufacturers 
instructions.
4. Wipe dry with a soft towel or air dry the probe.
WARNINGUse only germicides that are listed in the Probe Care Card 
enclosed with the probe. In addition, refer to the local / national 
regulations.
Do not steam autoclave or subject the probe to Ethylene Oxide 
(ETO).
WARNINGDo not immerse the probe in liquid beyond the level specified for 
that probe (see Figure 10-5).
Never immerse the probe connector or probe adapters in liquid.
The probe should not be exposed to the germicide longer than 
specified to achieve the desired effect.
DO NOT soak or saturate probes with solutions containing 
alcohol, bleach, ammonium chloride compounds. In addition TE 
probes must not be immersed in solutions containing hydrogen 
peroxide.
WARNINGCREUTZFIELD-JACOB DISEASE
Neurological use on patients with this disease must be avoided. 
If a probe becomes contaminated, there is no adequate 
disinfecting means. 
						

							Probes
372Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual
FC092326-03
 Figure 10-5: Probe immersion levels
1. Fluid level
2. Contact face with 
patient environment 
						

							Probes
Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual373
FC092326-03
Probe safety
This section includes information on hazards to both the user 
and the equipment, as follow:
• Electrical hazards
• Mechanical hazards
• Biological hazards
Electrical hazards
Probes are driven by electricity, which can injure the patient or 
user when exposed to contact with conductive solution.
Mechanical hazards
Take precaution to avoid mechanical hazards.
WARNINGDo not immerse the probe into any liquid beyond the level shown 
in Figure 10-5. Never immerse the probe connector or adaptors 
into any liquid.
Do not subject the probe to mechanical shock or impact, which 
may result in cracks or chips in the housing and degrade 
performance.
Inspect the probe before and after each use, as described on 
page 369, for damage or degradation to the housing, strain relief, 
lens and seal.
DO NOT apply excessive force to the probe cable, to prevent 
insulation failure.
Electrical leakage checks should be performed regularly by a GE 
service representative or qualified hospital personnel, according 
to the procedures described in EN 60601-1/IEC 60601-1 §19.
WARNINGObserve immersion levels as displayed in Figure 10-5, page 372.
Inspect probes for sharp edges or rough surfaces that could 
injure sensitive tissue.
DO NOT bend or pull the cable forcefully, to avoid mechanical 
shock or impact to the probe. 
						

							Probes
374Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual
FC092326-03
Biological hazards
To minimize disease transmission, legally marketed and sterile 
pyrogen-free sheaths should be used for each probe 
recommended for intra-cavity procedures.
Adequate cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent 
disease transmission. It is the responsibility of the user to verify 
and maintain the effectiveness of the infection control 
procedures in use.
CAUTIONTransesophageal probes require a special handling. Refer to the 
user documentation enclosed with these probes.  
						

							Probes
Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual375
FC092326-03
Biopsy
The Vivid 7/Vivid 7 PRO supports biopsy capability for the 
3.5C, 10L and 12L probes. The biopsy option is intended for 
use by a duly licensed physician who has received the 
appropriate training in biopsy techniques as dictated by current 
relevant practices, as well as in proper operation of the Vivid 7/
Vivid 7 PRO ultrasound unit.
Precaution concerning the use of 
biopsy procedures
WARNINGDo not freeze the image during a biopsy procedure. The image 
must be live to avoid a positioning error.
CAUTIONThe use of biopsy devices and accessories that have not been 
evaluated for use with the equipment may not be compatible and 
could result in injury.
CAUTIONThe invasive nature of biopsy procedures requires proper 
preparation and technique to control infection and disease 
transmission. Equipment must be cleaned as appropriate for the 
procedure prior to use.
•  Follow the probe cleaning and disinfection procedures and 
precautions to properly prepare the probe.
•  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning of biopsy 
devices and accessories.
•  After use, follow proper procedures for decontamination, cleaning, 
and waste disposal.
Improper cleaning methods and the use of certain cleaning and 
disinfecting agents can cause damage to the plastic components 
that will degrade imaging performance or increase the risk of 
electric shock. 
						

							Probes
376Vivid7/Vivid7 PRO Users Manual
FC092326-03
Preparing the Biopsy guide attachment
The 3.5C, 10L and 12L probes have an optional biopsy kit 
specific for each probe. The biopsy kit consists of:
•  One reusable non-sterile bracket
•  Five disposable sterile Ultra-Pro II
TM Needle guide kits 
(Civco Medical Instruments Co, Inc.) consisting of:
•  Two sets with needle inserts covering gauge size 14 
through 23 (2.1mm to 0.6mm)
• One sterile sheath
•  Two rubber bands
• gel
•  One reusable needle guide
• Instructions
In addition sterile Ultra-Pro II
TM Needle guide kits can be 
ordered as replacement kit.
WARNINGRead the following instructions and the user’s guide for the 
Ultra-Pro II
TM Needle Guide kit before using the biopsy 
equipment.