Role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in patients undergoing robotic atrial myxoma excision

Abstract

To evaluate the role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during robotic atrial myxoma excision. Thirty-eight consecutive patients undergoing robotic atrial myxoma excision from September 2007 to August 2012 were enrolled in the study. During the procedure, TEE was performed to document the myxoma position, its attachment, and hemodynamic information before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). During establishment of peripheral CPB, TEE was used to guide placement of the cannulae in the inferior vena cava (IVC), superior vena cava (SVC), and ascending aorta (AAO). After weaning from CPB, TEE was performed to evaluate the effect of the procedure. The accuracy of TEE for the position or its attachment of the myxoma was 100%. All the cannulae in the SVC, IVC and AAO were located in correct position. In all patients, TEE confirmed successful excision. Intraoperative TEE is a valuable adjunct in patients undergoing robotic atrial myxoma excision.