Novel use of transesophageal echocardiographic probe for intraoperative epicardial imaging in cardiac surgery / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical application value of epicardial transesophageal echocardiography (ETE) in cardiac surgeries. Methods Using the transesophageal multi-plane ultrasonic probe of GE company, ETE were performed for a total of 53 patients undergoing cardiac surgeries with extracorporeal circulation and heart re-beat, evaluating valvular function, left ventricular systolic function and residual shunts. Results Qualiifed ETE images were obtained in all of the 53 cases without complications of infection, bleeding and serious arrhythmia. Intraoperative regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction happened in 5 cases and was promptly handled. Residual mitral regurgitation after valvular replacement was found in one case, which was reduced by valvuloplasty. One case showed moderate tricuspid regurgitation and another two cases indicated residual shunt. All the problems in the above cases were corrected in immediate surgeries. Moreover, the pressure gradient of one hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathic patient fell significantly to 8 mmHg after successful myectomy (the blood flow velocity fell from 3.2 m/s to 1.4 m/s). Conclusion Epicardial transesophageal echocardiogramphic examination is easy to handle and useful in monitoring abnormalities in cardiac surgery by providing hemodynamic and anatomic information.