Intraoperative echocardiography

Abstract

Intraoperative echocardiography has emerged as a new technique by which the cardiac surgeon can more precisely define the operative anatomy and physiology, immediately evaluate the results, and more accurately monitor left ventricular function in the operating room. This review summarizes the current applications of intraoperative two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in both the epicardial and transesophageal forms, and discusses the advantages and possible limitations of these methods in the practice of clinical cardiac surgery.

Perioperative Echocardiography

“…Experienced Sonographers in busy hospitals perform multiple tasks including adult and pediatric transthoracic 493668J DMXXX10.1177/8756479313493668Journal of Diagnostic Medical SonographyAjib research-article2013 1 Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Orlando, FL, USA echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, bubble study echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms. It has been shown that the role of a cardiac Sonographer has further expanded over time to a presence in the cardiac operating room to assist surgeons in acquiring optimal intraoperative diagnostic images.…”

“…Intraoperative echocardiography (IOE) was first introduced in the 1970s when Johnson and coworkers used M-mode echocardiography to evaluate the results of mitral valve operations. 1 IOE evolved further in the 1980s when surgeons began utilizing 2D POE in the operating room to aid in the evaluation of left ventricular function, prosthetic valves, and localization of myxomas and other foreign bodies. 1 Perioperative 2D echo allowed surgeons to examine the left ventricle closely by evaluating its wall motion and calculating ejection fraction during surgery.…”

“…1 IOE evolved further in the 1980s when surgeons began utilizing 2D POE in the operating room to aid in the evaluation of left ventricular function, prosthetic valves, and localization of myxomas and other foreign bodies. 1 Perioperative 2D echo allowed surgeons to examine the left ventricle closely by evaluating its wall motion and calculating ejection fraction during surgery. Spectral Doppler studies also provided essential hemodynamic and diagnostic information regarding pathologies such as valvular stenosis and valvular regurgitation.…”

How transoesophageal echocardiography can assist cardiac surgery in adults.

“…[3][4][5] In addition, in the early postoperative period traditional transthoracic imaging is often unsatisfactory for various reasons including the presence of air and tubes in the mediastinum. Transoesophageal echocardiography can resolve clinical problems encountered in adult and paediatric cardiac surgery.…”