ABSTRACT
Transesophageal echocardiography is a useful device to evaluate the posterior structure of heart with an advantage of enabling clearer images, as compared to transthoracic echocardiography. With intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, we can reconfirm pre-diagnosed lesions, determine the success of the operation, and in particular, diagnose new lesions that are undetected in pre-operative evaluation. In the present case, undiagnosed patent ductus arteriosus was found on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography during cardiopulmonary bypass. Subsequently, the patent ductus arteriosus was ligated successfully. With transesophageal echocardiography, we can diagnose the structural and functional abnormality of heart unidentified in the pre-operative evaluation. Also, transesophageal echocardiography can play the role of a rescuer to solve the problems that occur during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cardiopulmonary Bypass , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent , Echocardiography , Echocardiography, Transesophageal , HeartABSTRACT
Facet joint synovial cysts are usually associated with osteoarthritis of the adjacent facet joint and/or spondylolisthesis. In between the conservative and operative ends of the treatment spectrum lie minimally invasive techniques such as cyst rupture using epiduroscopy. In this report, we describe an 82-year-old male patient presenting with low back pain radiating to his lower left extremity and associated paresthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed a synovial cyst at left L4/5 facet joint. Using epiduroscopy, the cyst was mechanically ruptured by popping it with the tip of the scope. The patient remained symptom-free at his successive visits until 12 months after the procedure, and was opened for desired follow up.