Toshiba SSH-140 Transducer Guide

Although you might know Toshiba as a manufacturer of consumer electronics such as televisions, computers, tablets and other gizmos, the firm also manufactures a full line of medical equipment including X-ray, tomography and ultrasound devices. The Toshiba SSH-140 is a stationary ultrasound system designed for abdominal, cardiac, pediatric and urology applications, among others. This device relies on transducers to convert energy into ultrasound waves.

Transducer Basics

• Transducers are an essential component of ultrasonic sensors used in medical devices such as the Toshiba SSH-140. The sensors rely on a combination of electricity and a ceramic transducer to emit as well as receive sound waves. Upon electrical contact, the transducer vibrates. As these vibrations compress and expand, waves emitted from the sensor reach the target object and await the return echo. The SSH-140 then translates these sound waves into viewable images on its display screen.

SSH-140 Transducers

• The Toshiba SSH-140 relies on proprietary Toshiba ultrasound transducer probes, which are supplied with the device. These transducers are triplex-capable and provide electronic convex, linear and sector scanning. The SSH-140 has a three-transducer selection switch and accommodates additional Toshiba transducers and power probes, including the 1.9 MHz Toshiba PC-19M for adult cardiac applications and the 5.0 MHz Toshiba PSF-50FT for pediatric cardiac applications.

Other Specs

• Toshiba's SSH-140 ultrasound machine features wideband imaging and a dual-image display on a high-definition, 10-inch color screen with a touch-panel interface. Its internal storage maintains records for up to 250 patients. The device operates in continuous cine, B-mode or M-mode and comes with six pre-programmed, post-processing curves, with space for two user-programmable curves. The SSH-140 supports color Doppler display in B-mode and M-mode, and features user-selectable Doppler frequencies.

Considerations

• Although Toshiba no longer produces the SSH-140 or its transducers, the device and its components can be purchased in used or refurbished condition from online suppliers or brick-and-mortar medical supply stores. Should complications arise with an SSH-140 or its transducers, Toshiba's Medical Systems branch provides technical support at 800-421-1968. The company also offers assistance through a Web-based submission form at Toshiba’s Medical Systems Services and Support website.