Development of a continuous cardiac monitor system by transesophageal echocardiography

为了研制一种经食道超声心动图心脏连续监测系统，我们研制了三种经食道小回波(TEE)探头。TEE探头大小为4.0~7.0 mm，携带17~32个5 MHz晶体回声元件。空间分辨率或每个TEE探头的深度为4~8 cm，足以观察正常成人心脏大小。这些探头在儿科心脏直视手术中进行了临床应用，连续监测心功能长达6小时，我们证实了这些TEE探头的临床实用性和安全性。在此基础上，研制了用于心脏连续监测的专用TEE探头，剔除了常规儿科双平面TEE探头的控制器部分，并在探头尖端安装了一个小气球，通过充气控制TEE探头的角度。我们还为该三通探头制作了特殊的无菌可分散避孕套胶套，以保持食管腔的无菌状态，确保该探头继续使用的电气安全。在通过体外和体内实验确认该探头的安全性后，将从4月份开始进行一系列临床检查。

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.