Development of a continuous cardiac monitor system by transesophageal echocardiography

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To develop a continuous cardiac monitor system by transesophageal echocardiography, we produced three kinds of small transesophageal echo(TEE)probe. The sizes of TEE probes were 4.0 to 7.0 mm carrying 17 to 32 echo-elements of 5 MHz crystal. The spatial resolution or each TEE probes were 4 to 8 cm in depth which is adequate for the observation of normal size of adult heart. These probes were examined for clinical use during pediatric open heart surgery up to 6 hours of continuous monitoring of cardiac function and we have confirmed clinical utility and safety of these TEE probes. Then we developed special TEE probe for continuous cardiac monitor excluding the controller part of the regular pediatric biplane TEE probe and a small balloon was mounted on the tip of TEE probe to control the angulation of the TEE transducer by air inflation. Also we produced a special sterilized and dispersible rubber sheath of condom shape for this TEE probe to maintain the aseptic condition of the esophageal cavity and to keep the electrical safety for the continuous use of this probe. After confirmation of the safety of this probe with in vitro and in vivo experiment, a series of clinical examination is scheduled from coming April.