Use of laryngoscope and esophageal stethoscope to visually direct intraoperative insertion of pediatric transesophageal echocardiographic probe in infants and small children

Abstract

compared with use of the femoral vein are well described.le4 Our technique adds to these advantages the following: (1) improvement of torque control of the catheter; (2) ability to perform transseptal puncture and balloon and blade atria1 septostomy in patients with interrupted inferior vena cava and azygos continuation (to avoid surgical septostomy); and (3) avoidance of ductal venosus constriction during catheter exchange.