ACUSON Cypress™ Operator’s Manual
10-17
Operator Safety Issues
Operator Safety Issues
Electrical Safety
WARNING
Carefully read the warning notices regarding electrical safety that
appear at the beginning of this section.
Explosion Hazards
WARNING
Possible explosion hazard if used in the presence of flammable
anesthetics.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Repetitive ultrasound scanning has been associated with Carpal Tunnel Syn-
drome (
CTS
). Recent reports in the medical literature have examined and sur-
veyed populations of sonographers using a variety of products from different
ultrasound manufacturers. Several recommendations have been identified that
can help prevent
CTS
:
Do not grasp the transducer with excessive force.
Interrupt scanning frequently, using these breaks to rest and give soft tissue a
chance to recuperate from the strained positions and repetitive movements of
examinations.
Try to maintain a comfortable and balanced body position with minimal stress
on your joints.
References
Vanderpool, et. al., Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and other work related muscu-
loskeletal problems in cardiac sonographers,
American College of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine
, 35:6, June 1993.
Mercer, et. al., Occupational health hazards to the ultrasonographer and their possible
prevention,
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography
, 10:4, 363-366, May
1997.
Craig, M. Occupational health hazards of sonography: an update.
Journal of Diagnostic
Medical Sonography
, 1: 47- 50, 1990.