What causes ultrasound probe crystal damage?

Ultrasound probe crystals can be damaged over time due to various factors, and this damage can affect the quality of the images or the functionality of the probe.

Here are some common causes of ultrasound probe crystal damage:

1. Physical Impact or Shock

• Cause: Dropping the probe, rough handling, or knocking it against hard surfaces.

• Effect: The crystal inside the probe can crack or break, disrupting its ability to transmit and receive sound waves. A cracked crystal often leads to a loss of signal or distortion in the image.

2. Overheating

• Cause: Prolonged use without proper cooling, or using the probe in high-temperature environments.

• Effect: Excessive heat can degrade the piezoelectric material (like PZT), causing it to lose its piezoelectric properties, resulting in poor or no transmission of ultrasound waves. Overheating can also cause the bonding between the crystal and the housing to weaken, further damaging the probe.

3. Moisture or Fluid Exposure

• Cause: Exposure to water, body fluids, or cleaning agents that seep into the probe’s housing, especially if the seal is compromised.

• Effect: Moisture can cause electrical shorts or corrosion of the crystal and internal components, leading to malfunction. If liquid enters the probe, the crystals can also become impaired due to swelling or distortion of the material.

4. Electrical Overload

• Cause: Using the ultrasound probe with excessive electrical power or improper settings.

• Effect: The electrical charge applied to the piezoelectric crystals is what causes them to vibrate. If the voltage is too high, it can overload the crystal and cause it to burn out or crack.

5. Ultrasound Settings or Incorrect Calibration

• Cause: Using improper frequency or intensity settings for a specific application, or when the device is not properly calibrated.

• Effect: Incorrect settings can overstress the crystals, leading to thermal damage or physical deformation over time, particularly when high-intensity or high-frequency ultrasound is used beyond the probe’s rated capacity.

6. Aging and Wear

• Cause: Prolonged use of the ultrasound probe over time.

• Effect: Piezoelectric crystals can degrade with use, especially in high-frequency probes. The material’s properties can deteriorate due to continuous stress from vibration, leading to a loss in performance. The probe may also suffer from mechanical fatigue over time, affecting the quality of the ultrasound images.

​​​​​Preventive Measures:

• Proper Handling: Always handle the probe carefully to avoid physical shock. Use protective covers when the probe is not in use.

• Regular Calibration: Ensure that the ultrasound machine is properly calibrated for the type of probe being used.

• Avoid Overuse: Don't operate the probe for extended periods without breaks to prevent overheating.

• Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Perform routine checks to ensure the probe is sealed and intact. Look for any signs of moisture or cracks.

• Proper Storage: When not in use, store the probe in a protective case or a safe place to avoid exposure to extreme conditions or physical damage.

Repair or Replacement:

Mypro Ultrasound has more than 12 years for probe sales and service, whether your system is for GE, Philips, Siemens, Esaote, Toshiba, Hitachi-Aloka, Samsung-Medison, Mindray or others…

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