This month, TechNation reached out to several healthcare technology management and imaging professionals for insights regarding ultrasound transducers/probes. Three companies shared knowledge from one of their staff members including Avante Health Solutions Clinical Applications Manager Todd Dennis, BS, RVT, RDCS; MW Imaging Senior Service Director Tom Hanak; and Innovatus Imaging Vice President of Sales and Marketing Matt Tomory.
Q: What are some of the newest ultrasound software applications heath care facilities should consider?
DENNIS: Several cutting-edge ultrasound applications are currently being adopted and deserve consideration, particularly artificial intelligence in ultrasonic image analysis. The primary AI applications within ultrasonic image analysis encompass detection, diagnosis or classification, and segmentation. These advancements empower clinicians to conduct more precise image analyses. While AI integration holds the potential to significantly reduce examination time, enhance accuracy and image quality, and elevate patient care standards, it is crucial to emphasize that it should not substitute human oversight.
HANAK: When it comes to the newest ultrasound software applications, health care facilities should consider factors that are important to the individual department goals. Advancements in software applications include features to improve workflow for individual exams which can speed up exam times and allow for more patients to be scanned. Ultimately, meaning more revenue for the hospital. Many OEMs are starting to include the use of AI to assist with improved and repeatable workflow. The inclusion of AI in the software applications is adding to increased diagnostic capabilities such as recognizance standard views and automating measurements.
TOMORY: Artificial intelligence, which can assist with diagnosis, annotation and reporting, is becoming widely available and greatly increases accuracy of exams and reduces exam times. You also want to ensure software updates are regularly performed for keeping your system up to date as well as ensuring the latest cybersecurity patches and enhancements are installed. Remote diagnosis and service capabilities will reduce downtime as well.
Q: How is the increasing use of ultrasound impacting the maintenance of probes and transducers?
DENNIS: On average, a probe/transducer is utilized approximately 20 to 30 times per day. Due to this frequency of use, the most significant challenge arises from the human factor. Ultrasound technology has now become integral to nearly every medical specialty. As a result, within a hospital environment, ultrasound systems are no longer confined to just one or two departments; they are dispersed throughout the entire facility. Consequently, the responsibility for handling ultrasound probes/transducers has extended beyond the traditional role of sonographers. Today, a diverse range of medical professionals, from endocrinologists to physicians, can serve as end users. However, this expanded usage also leads to increased wear and tear, resulting in higher service requirements.
HANAK: The increased use of ultrasound will directly impact the maintenance of ultrasound transducers. On the transducer side we see a lot of lens wear and strain relief issues as well as fluid infiltration. There is a higher probability of physical damage such as dropping the probe or improper cleaning of TEE and endocavity transducers. Making sure your central sterile processing team is up to date on proper disinfecting is also a must. We see a lot of TEE probes that have been submerged during this process causing corrosion within the control housing.
TOMORY: Ultrasound has expanded throughout hospitals but one thing remains constant: Probes are a Class II medical device and have very specific care instructions regarding use, cleaning, storage and testing. Chemical damage is a leading cause of premature probe failure and adherence to the OEM user manual’s recommended/approved cleaners and disinfectants is critical. Innovatus Imaging performs accelerated chemical testing on all materials including plastics, lenses, cable sheathes and even adhesives to ensure compatibility with OEM-qualified chemicals.
Q: What are the pros and cons of buying brand new versus buying refurbished probes/transducers?
DENNIS: When opting for a new purchase, the most significant advantage lies in acquiring cutting-edge, state-of-the-art probes/transducers complete with the latest features and advancements. On the flip side, the drawback is the OEM pricing. Furthermore, once your initial contract or point of sale warranty expires, you might find yourself left without support and subjected to exorbitant service charges. In addition to the OEM option of purchasing new, Avante provides an alternative. We offer new probes for many models, often leading to extended warranties and competitive pricing. In contrast, by choosing refurbished options from Avante, you have the opportunity to acquire a certified restored probe that’s offering nearly all the capabilities of a brand-new probe, at a significantly reduced cost. This not only enables you to maximize your budget but also provides the possibility of expanding your inventory with additional systems or probes. As an added benefit, you’ll get our built-in warranty and service, plus Avante offers loaner probes to minimize downtime when your probe is being repaired.
HANAK: The pros of buying a brand new transducer include OEM image quality, the possibility of a longer warranty and the probe will be new from a cosmetic standpoint. The cons include a much higher price and in most cases the warranty may be the same length. The pros of buying a refurbished transducer is that the price is much cheaper and warranty time could be the same as a new probe if not greater. Depending on where it was purchased, the cons could be the image quality is not as good compared to a brand new probe, there may be wear and tear inside the probe cable that could cause elements to short down the road, and cosmetically the probe may not look new.
TOMORY: When you purchase new transducers, you know you are getting a fully qualified device with factory warranty. With a refurbished probe, how do you know the device meets OEM form, fit and function and is safe and effective? A properly restored probe can provide excellent savings and a warranty which may be longer than the OEM, but it is imperative you qualify the repair provider.
Q: What criteria should be used to compare and select a probe/transducer repair provider whether in-house, ISO or OEM?
DENNIS: The majority of OEMs typically opt to replace the probe/transducer rather than repairing it, often resulting in the purchase of a completely new probe. Even if you are enrolled in a service contract that offers a new probe at a discounted rate, this can sometimes involve inflated service contract costs. When choosing a third-party ISO like Avante, it becomes essential to assess their extensive experience and profound understanding of various manufacturers and models.
As a medical device provider, we understand the critical importance of ensuring the safety, effectiveness and reliability of our products. That is why we continuously invest in our quality management system, which is certified according to the internationally recognized and rigorous ISO 13485:2016 standards.
HANAK: When purchasing a refurbished or new transducer it is good practice to purchase from an ISO 13485:2016 certified company, this ensures they have a quality management system in place and they are dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services. They should be able to provide evidence of thorough testing and images to confirm the probe meets OEM specifications.
TOMORY: There are many questions you should be asking your probe repair provider including ISO 13485:2016 certification (ensure probe repair is within scope of certification), device history records, materials qualification data, testing, standards, etc. The single best thing you can do is ask for a tour of the repair facility, either in person or virtual, and ask for proof of these items. Innovatus Imaging provides virtual and in-person tours for our clients several times per month where the answers to these questions are demonstrated. Teams and Zoom allow for fast, inexpensive and effective virtual tours.
Q: What else do you think TechNation readers need to know about purchasing and servicing ultrasound probes/transducers?
DENNIS: Ensure that the individuals utilizing the probe/transducer are involved or consulted when making purchasing decisions. This approach guarantees a clear understanding of the specific requirements. Unfortunately, it’s quite common for transducer purchases to be made by individuals who won’t be the end users, leading to misunderstandings about ultrasound technology and how the probe will function in practice. Given the substantial financial investment that goes into acquiring probes, it’s paramount to ensure that the right selections are made. Furthermore, it’s important to inform the reader that Avante’s ARTS (Advanced Repair Technical Solutions) department is actively enhancing its proficiency in repairing and servicing many of the latest transducer models such as the X5-1c Philips Transducer, which has recently transitioned out of warranty coverage. Our commitment to mastering the intricacies of this state-of-the-art technology reflects our dedication to staying ahead in this dynamic field. This pursuit aligns with our aim to continually advance our capabilities and provide unmatched services.
HANAK: When servicing or completing preventive maintenance on your ultrasound equipment always perform a physical inspection of the transducers as well. Look for issues with strain relief, housing separation or cuts on the cable. Transducer cables can get run over and cause damage to the cable and internal wires, all of these issues could affect the safety and/or image quality of the probe. When purchasing a transducer make sure to partner up with a company that is ISO 13485:2016 certified.
TOMORY: There are many options for purchasing and repairing probes – just Google both and it will be apparent. These devices can be repaired so they just work again or they can be restored to be as safe and effective as when they left the factory. As mentioned earlier, they are Class II medical devices so ask the right questions to ensure you and your patients are being served properly.
