FrançaisEnglishGermanSpanish
EXPERTISE

Dedicated probe S

In order to enlarge its field of application and enhance its performance characteristics, FibroScan® is now equiped with the S probe which is more specifically designed for a certain profile of patients like children.

ERGONOMICS

The ergonomics were rethought for improved comfort and enhanced performance characteristics.

Description

The Fibroscan® S probe, with optimised ergonomics, makes it possible to take a reliable measurement with easy handling.
It is made up of a single-element ultrasound transducer fixed to the axis of the electro-dynamic transducer. The latter generates a transitory vibration which creates an elastic wave of shear. This wave propagates through the skin, the sub-cutaneous tissues, and then the liver. During propagation of the shear wave, the ultrasound transducer carries out a series of echographic acquisitions (emission/reception) in order to measure the propagation velocity of the shear wave. Liver elasticity is calculated from the value of the propagation velocity of this shear wave.
The probe is the only part of the FibroScan® device in contact with the patient, and therefore requires specific disinfection for each patient.

Generally speaking, a probe presents itself in the following way: head down (transducer toward the floor) the head of the probe is cleaned by means of a disinfectant only, imperatively without alcohol.

Applications

The recommendations for use of the S (paediatric) probe are defined from the morphological data of the patient, in particular the size of his thoracic perimeter (TP). Two ,examinations are therefore available, corresponding to the depths of specific measurements which take account of the depth of the liver under the skin and of the thoracic perimeter.

probe Examination Frequency depth of measurements thoracic perimeter *

S

Small 1 (S1)

5 MHz

De 15 mm à 40 mm

≤ 45 cm

 

Small 2 (S2)

5 MHz

De 20 mm à 50 mm

> 45 cm et ≤ 75 cm

(*) at the xyphoid process

1 inch = 2,54 cm

Availability

EC +, the S probe will be commercially available in Europe from January 2008.

PAEDIATRIC

A specificity offering extensive diagnostic prospects.

A revolution in the field of paediatrics

“With the S probe, we are offering a technology concentrate for the benefit of children.” Bertrand Fourquet, President of ECHOSENS.
The S probe was created to respond to the growing number of children suffering from chronic liver diseases. It will give the physician a better chance to make a diagnosis and an early follow-up of the disease.
Because there are more than 100 diverse and varied liver pathologies which affect children throughout the world. In the ranks of the most important are mucoviscidosis, bile duct diseases and the danger of the future: Nash.

The S probe, an innovative accessory, is a made-to-order response to the specific diagnostic needs of children from 1 month to 14 years of age.
On account of the specific morphology of the child (more reduced intercostal space, small size liver) our teams of experts have developed an effective solution (reduced transducer size, algorithm adapted to measure a liver of small size, etc.).

Key factors of success

features the impact on your diagnosis

Opuimised ergonomics

Easier handling

Light shell

Greater operator comfort

A thinner transducer

Passes between the ribs of a child

Adapted algorithm

Effectivily measure a small size liver

 

Assets of the FibroScan® examination
in the child, compared to biopsy

Restrictive examination Biopsy FibroScan® S probe exam

Anesthesia

Yes (general)

No

Hospitalization

Yes (48 hours)

No

Preliminary examination

Yes (hepatic echography and a blood coagulation study)

No

Harmful examination Biopsy FibroScan® S probe exam

Complications disagreeable but not severe

Pain or haematoma at the point of needle entry

No

Serious complication, wich may, if untreated, be lifethreatening 

 Concerns less than one case of one thousand biopsies :

  • Bleeding may occur at the point of needle entry into the liver; the blood which circulates in abundance in the liver may then flow into the belly and necessitate emergency surgical intervention to close the wound.
  • A haematoma may occur inside the liver; it is usually spontaneously resorbed.
  • If the needle has crossed the pleura, the envelop surrounding the lung and which may be in contact with the liver, a pneumothorax (massive entry of air into the pleura) may occur. Emergency treatment makes it possible to aspirate the air and rapidly treat the complication.
  • A wound of the gallbladder or another organ in contact with the liver may necessitate emergency surgical intervention.
  • Infection of the liver by a microbe, promoted by penetration by the needle, may necessitate antibiotic treatment or evacuation of an abscess.
  • Microbes already present in the diseased liver may sometimes pass into the blood at the time of the biopsy.

No

Technical leaflet

Download the features of the probe S..

Download »

Abstract et oral presentation at AASLD 2007

A dedicated FibroScan® probe to evaluated liver fibrosis in children : feasibility and performance for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. V. de Ledinghen et al.

Link to the abstract »
 
© Echosens 2008 | Contact | HEADQUARTERSEchosens SA
153, avenue d’Italie
75013 PARIS
FRANCE