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It is crucial for clinicians performing transesophageal (TEE) examinations to understand how the controls on an ultrasound machine alter the display. Without this knowledge, it is impossible to consistently optimize images, and unskilled manipulations may misrepresent diagnostic information and result in missed diagnoses. This chapter describes the controls found on most ultrasound machines, how they affect the image, and how they are used to optimize the ultrasound image. Table 2–1 presents the most commonly used controls for two-dimensional (2D) imaging.
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After providing power to the machine itself, a TEE probe must be connected to the machine, register as compatible with the machine, and be selected from other possible transducer options. The basic parameters for the ultrasound examination may be defined by choosing an appropriate TEE preset. The preset provides a starting point for basic machine settings such as depth, gain, and image processing settings. The operator can adjust all the machine's variables from the initially fixed settings, as needed. Adjustments to the preset can be saved permanently under a different preset name when desired. Patient identification (name and medical record number) and any other relevant information should be entered into the machine before beginning an exam. This includes date of birth, sex, videotape number, name of person performing the examination, location, and a number of other qualifiers.
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The five most common modes used during TEE examinations are 2D gray-scale imaging, color Doppler, pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) Doppler, and three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The usual buttons to enable these modes are 2D, Color, PW, CW, and 3D. Other scanning modes, such as M-mode and angio, are often available but are minimally ...