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7.2 Ultrasound
7.2.1 Contact
Control
The ultrasound applicator has a contact control function that suspends treatment when the acoustical
contact with the body drops below a certain level (see paragraph 10.1). The indicator light on the
applicator is turned on to signal this situation, the ultrasound Amplitude display will start blinking and the
treatment timer will stop counting down. During this situation the applicator emits a small amount of
energy to sense restoration of acoustical contact. You may experience this when the applicator only
partially contacts the body. When contact restoration is sensed the treatment is resumed at the set
Amplitude.
The contact control function does not work at Amplitudes below 0.2 W/cm².
7.2.2
The contact medium
To ensure efficient transfer of energy, a contact medium is required between the ultrasound applicator
and the body. Air causes virtually total reflection of the ultrasound energy. The best medium for the
transfer of ultrasound energy is a gel.
• The gel should be applied to the part of the body to be treated and then spread out with the ultrasound
applicator.
• Never apply the gel to the ultrasound applicator. The applicator will register this as acoustical contact
and may emit ultrasound energy, which could damage the applicator.
If the body surface is very irregular, making it difficult to obtain good contact between the ultrasound
applicator and the body, or if direct contact must be avoided (e.g. due to pain), the affected area may be
treated under water (subaqual method). The water should be degassed (by previous boiling) in order to
prevent air bubbles arising on the ultrasound applicator and the body.
7.2.3 Before
treatment
• Check the patient for contra-indications. See section 4.2.2 for details.
• Test the warmth sensibility of the treatment area.
• To optimize ultrasound transmission, clean the skin of the treatment area with soap or a 70% alcohol
solution.
• Strong hair growth has to be shaved.
7.2.4 During
treatment
• The ultrasound applicator has to be moved constantly, also with the semi-static method. During
treatment the displayed ultrasound Amplitude can vary around the set value, caused by fluctuations in
acoustical coupling.
• Ask the patient regularly for his/her findings. If necessary the treatment will have to be adapted. The
Amplitude can be reduced or the continuous mode can be changed to pulsed mode or vice versa.
• When there are signs that the ultrasound transmission is bad, add more contact gel or spread it with
the applicator.
CAUTION:
•
The ultrasound applicator is a precision instrument. Great care has been taken during the
development and in production to obtain the best possible beam characteristics. Rough treatment
(jarring or dropping) can adversely affect these characteristics, and must therefore be avoided.
7.2.5 After
treatment
• Clean the skin of the patient and the ultrasound applicator with a towel or tissue. Clean the applicator
with a 70% alcohol solution.
• Check for the effects that can be expected (for example pain, circulation and mobility).
• Ask the patient to inform the therapist of any reactions.
7.3 Vacuum
Vacuum electrodes make good contact with the skin, which means that effective use is made of the whole
electrode area. The massage effect resulting from the pulsed vacuum ensures a good blood flow through
the skin under the electrodes. This reduces the resistance of the skin and increases he effectiveness of
the stimulation current.
Summary of Contents for Endomed 482
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