EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Ultrasound probe repair

As well as the companies already mentioned in this thread ... I should imagine that this fine fellow may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Thanks Geoff.

More fuel to the fire (Stateside):-

(...and to "encourage" Mike?)

1) AUE
2) Conquest
3) Summit
4) Trisonics

we use dp medimaging for our probe repairs.

Yet another one to add to the list, then:-

DP

One question to ask is does those performing refurbishment of the transducer meet IEC 63077?

If so how do they meet section 5.2 that requires restored equipment meet the original performance and safety standard? (In the case of transducers this is almost impossible as they will not have access to the OEM design specifications.)

Are the transducers marked in accordance with section 5.9 as being refurbished?

Does the company provide post-market surveillance according to section 4.7?

Should litigation occur after a misdiagnosis due to a refurbished probe will the person authorising the repair be happy to stand up in court and defend their position and show they took all due care?

Interesting document produced by Siemens about ultrasound probe (transducer) repair available here.

Information is quite general and is a useful guide to anyone considering transducer repairs.

Hi Mike, a veritable mine field, however if the OEM's were to lower their prices the cowboy outfits would simply disappear.

That's a general statement covering tech suppport across the whole biomed industry, I would have thought.

Can't see it ever happening, though.

Especially in certain (many) places "overseas" - where a completely different scene is still often encountered. As in:- actual repair work gets carried out.

Geoff, Are you aware of the $78.5 M legal case web link below? I rang Mr Wienstock up. I was told the clinician had a strong legal team but the hospital had a poor case, the machine had never been serviced, so he went for the weakest link.

http://www.feldmanshepherd.com/358-...ct-In-Philadelphia-Birth-Injury-Case.php

I wonder what professional indemnity and public liability insurance limit the repairer carries, could that come close to the claimant award? Who would be responsible for the difference?

Regards

Phil Coulthard