Real-time 3-dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Research Articles

A Modified Tip-to-Base LAMPOON to Prevent Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in Valve-in-Ring or Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement.

The Laceration of the Anterior Mitral leaflet to Prevent Outflow ObtructioN (LAMPOON) procedure may be performed from the leaflet tip to base to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with high-risk anatomy undergoing valve-in-valve (VIV) or valve-in-(complete)-ring (VIR) transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Thirteen consecutive patients (6 females, average age 67.7 years) with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 60%, a median STS score of 3.2%, and degenerative surgical mitral bioprosthesis or ring were treated with a combined, single-stage procedure of preventive LAMPOON and trans-septal TMVR with SAPIEN 3 valves (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Under real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3D-TEE) guidance, we included the rendezvous technique in the LAMPOON procedure, and all 13 patients were successfully treated by tip-to-base LAMPOON and TMVR. The use of a modified LAMPOON procedure, aided by a rendezvous technique and guided by RT 3D-TEE imaging, offers precise guidance for positioning and aligning the guidewire. This approach not only reduces the need for fluoroscopy and shortens procedure times, but also significantly increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Importantly, none of the patients in our study experienced unintentional aortic or aortic valve injuries, nor did they develop significant LVOTO following TMVR. In 11 of the 13 (85%) patients, we used a transcatheter SENTINELTM cerebral protection device (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) for stroke prevention and capture of debris ≥ 2 mm were detected in 8/11 (73%) of the cases. Utilizing intra-operative RT 3D-TEE in conjunction with the rendezvous technique can make the tip-to-base LAMPOON procedure even safer and more effective for patients undergoing VIV or VIR TMVR. Our study also suggests that cerebral protection is indicated in patients undergoing TMVR.

A Review of the Roles and Limitations of Noninvasive Imaging Methods for Investigating Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals with Obesity.

Body weight has increased worldwide, characterizing a pandemic of overweight and obesity. Obesity is associated with several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between increased body weight and cardiovascular disease is independent of the presence of classical cardiovascular disease risk factors. The direct effects of excessive fat tissue on the heart can cause a specific obesity-related cardiomyopathy in the absence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other structural heart diseases. Hemodynamic and structural changes contribute to obesity cardiomyopathy. The changes culminate in diastolic dysfunction, and eventually systolic dysfunction and heart failure. Several cellular cardiac changes have been described in obesity. Patients with obesity often present symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, lower limb edema, and chest pain. Noninvasive imaging techniques are important in assessing cardiovascular risk and evaluating symptoms. However, excess adiposity may be challenging for cardiac imaging interpretation and diagnostic accuracy. This review aims to discuss the current roles and limitations of noninvasive imaging diagnostic methods for investigating cardiovascular disease in individuals with obesity. The methods discussed include electrocardiography, echocardiography, 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, stress tests ergometry, stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography with pharmacological stress, stress computed tomography, stress cardiac magnetic resonance, single-photon emission computerized tomography myocardial perfusion imaging, and positron emission tomography. Although the appropriate choice of tests depends on the knowledge of methods and their limitations, patient management should be tailored according to clinical evaluation and technique availability.

Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Imaging–Guided Percutaneous Closure of Left Ventricular to Left Atrial Fistula

Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Imaging–Guided Percutaneous Closure of Left Ventricular to Left Atrial Fistula

Difference in left atrial appendage remodeling between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with atrial fibrillation.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a common and increasingly prevalent condition in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The left atrium appendage (LAA), a small outpouch from the LA, is the most common location for thrombus formation in patients with AFib.HypothesisIn this study, we examined LAA remodeling differences between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with AFib.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data from 242 subjects subdivided into two subgroups of 122 with DM (diabetic group) and 120 without DM (nondiabetic group). The study group underwent real‐time 3‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) for AFib ablation, cardioversion, or LAA device closure. The LAA dimensions were measured using the “Yosefy rotational 3DTEE method.”ResultsThe RT3DTEE analysis revealed that diabetic patients display larger LAA diameters, D1‐lengh (2.09 ± 0.50 vs 1.88 ± 0.54 cm, P = .003), D2‐width (1.70 ± 0.48 vs 1.55 ± 0.55 cm, P = .024), D3‐depth (2.21 ± 0.75 vs 1.99 ± 0.65 cm, P = .017), larger orifice areas (2.8 ± 1.35 and 2.3 ± 1.49 cm2, P = .004), and diminished orifice flow velocity (37.3 ± 17.6 and 43.7 ± 19.5 cm/sec, P = .008).ConclusionsAdverse LAA remodeling in DM patients with AFib is characterized by significantly LAA orifice enlargement and reduced orifice flow velocity. Analysis of LAA geometry and hemodynamics may have clinical implications in thrombotic risk assessment and treatment of DM patients with AFib.

Reverse Remodeling of the Mitral Valve Complex After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Serial 3-Dimensional Echocardiographic Study.

Mitral regurgitation is frequently complicated with atrial fibrillation without apparent organic changes in the leaflet, which occasionally improves after successful radiofrequency catheter ablation. We aimed to evaluate a possible geometric effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation on the mitral valve apparatus. Forty-three consecutive patients who underwent successful catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (maintaining sinus rhythm for 6 months after their procedure) were examined by serial real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography before and 6 months after catheter ablation. Mitral valve complex geometry was measured using dedicated software for 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. Mitral valve apparatus showed significant reverse remodeling along with left atrial reverse remodeling 6 months after successful catheter ablation (50.5 [39.2-61.0] versus 36.4 [28.9-43.1] mL/m2; P<0.001). The degree of mitral regurgitation decreased in a majority of patients (mitral regurgitation jet area; 1.83 [0.78-3.09] versus 0.77 [0.36-1.47] cm2; P<0.001). Annular area significantly decreased (5.32±0.91 versus 4.73±0.76 cm2/m2; P<0.001) in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Mitral annular contraction significantly recovered after maintaining sinus rhythm for 6 months (7.51 [4.82-9.62]% versus 9.71 [6.27-13.85]%; P=0.008). There were no significant changes in tenting volume or tenting height (0.46 [0.27-0.89] versus 0.51 [0.32-0.72] mL/m2, P=0.744; 2.34 [1.75-3.48] versus 2.76 [1.99-3.08] mm/m2, P=0.717). The leaflet surface area also significantly decreased after catheter ablation (5.74 [5.01-6.33] versus 5.19 [4.63-5.64] cm2/m2; P<0.001). Maintaining sinus rhythm after successful catheter ablation promotes reverse remodeling in the mitral valve apparatus and improves so-called atrial functional mitral regurgitation. The positive geometric effect of catheter ablation would be expected to be a possible contributor to better outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation, in addition to the postprocedural freedom from rhythm disturbance.

Morphological characterization of vegetation by real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in infective endocarditis: Prognostic impact

Vegetation size is a prognostic predictor in infective endocarditis (IE) and guides surgical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) compared to 2DTEE in the diagnosis and characterization of vegetation, as well as its potential clinical impact. Two hundred and three consecutive patients with IE were recruited (2009-2016) and retrospectively analyzed. Vegetation diameters and area from 68 patients were measured by 2DTEE and RT3DTEE at admission. The association between size and systemic embolisms was evaluated with logistic regression models. Differences in the discriminative power for the best dimensions' cutoff points were assessed by comparing the area under the ROC curves (AUC). Vegetation size and area were larger by RT3DTEE (P<0.001) than by 2DTEE, and RT3DTEE was especially relevant in the characterization of nonfiliform vegetation, Morphology was strongly associated with friability, being sessile vegetation less likely to embolize, compared to filiform and raceme-shaped ones (15.4% vs 46% vs 50%). Major diameter by RT3DTEE had better embolic predictive performance than 2DTEE (AUC 0.76 [0.57-0.89] vs 0.71 [0.53-0.86]; P=0.611). The best cutoff points associated with embolic events during the infection were 17mm for RT3DTEE and 15mm for 2DTEE. Based exclusively on vegetation size, the proportion of patients meeting a surgical indication according to current guidelines is higher using RT3DTEE. RT3DTEE allows a better characterization of IE vegetation than 2DTEE, what may have a clinical impact on surgical management and also prognostic due to a more accurate prediction of embolic risk.

Relationship between geometric changes in mitral annular/leaflets and mitral regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

The objective of the study was to determine the geometric changes in mitral annular and/or leaflets spatial conformation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) complicated with severe atrial mitral regurgitation (AMR) by using real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, aiming to explore whether this condition could be improved through self-modulation of mitral annulus and/or leaflets after the restoration of sinus rhythm.Fifty-five patients who were diagnosed with AMR and subject to 1-year follow-up were recruited in this clinical trial. All patients successfully received AF ablation. The intercommissural and anteroposterior diameter, annular height, mitral valve area (MVA), tenting height and volume, annular spherical index, fractional area change of MVA (MVA-FAC), and coaptation index (CP-I) were defined and measured by mitral-valve quantification software. Left ventricular size and function, maximum LA volume (LAV), and LA dimensions were equally recorded.During 1-year follow-up, AMR was significantly decreased in patients with sinus rhythm (P < 0.001). CP-I, MVA-FAC, and LAV index were independently associated with the reduction of AMR.AMR can be improved through the recovery of LAV after ablation, which probably affects the configuration of the annular space and the coaptation of the leaflets.

Acoustic characterization of a miniature matrix transducer for pediatric 3D transesophageal echocardiography

This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a miniature PZT-on-CMOS matrix transducer for real-time pediatric 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This 3D TEE probe consists of a 32 × 32 array of PZT elements integrated on top of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). We propose a partitioned transmit/receive array architecture wherein the 8 × 8 transmitter elements, located at the centre of the array, are directly wired out and the remaining receive elements are grouped into 96 sub-arrays of 3 × 3 elements. The echoes received by these sub-groups are locally processed by micro-beamformer circuits in the ASIC that allow pre-steering up to ±37°. The PZT-on-CMOS matrix transducer has been characterized acoustically and has a centre frequency of 5.8 MHz, -6 dB bandwidth of 67%, a transmit efficiency of 6 kPa/V at 30 mm, and a receive dynamic range of 85 dB with minimum and maximum detectable pressures of 5 Pa and 84 kPa respectively. The properties are very suitable for a miniature pediatric real-time 3D TEE probe.

Roles of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in peri-operation of transcatheter left atrial appendage closure.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is a new treatment option for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Conventional 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) has some limitations in the imaging assessment of LAA closure. Real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) allows for detailed morphologic assessment of the LAA. In this study, we aim to determine the clinical values of RT-3D TEE in the periprocedure of LAA closure.Thirty-eight persistent or paroxysmal AF patients with indications for LAA closure were enrolled in this study. RT-3D TEE full volume data of the LAA were recorded before operation to evaluate the anatomic feature, the landing zone dimension, and the depth of the LAA. On this basis, selection of LAA closure device was carried out. During the procedure, RT-3D TEE was applied to guide the interatrial septal puncture, device operation, and evaluate the occlusion effects. The patients were follow-up 1 month and 3 months postclosure.Twenty-eight (73.7%) patients with AF received placement of LAA occlusion device under RT-3D TEE. Eleven cases with single-lobe LAAs were identified using RT-3D TEE, among which 4 showed limited depth. Seventeen cases showed bilobed or multilobed LAA. Seven cases received LAA closure using Lefort and 21 using LAmbre based on the 3D TEE and radiography. The landing zone dimension of the LAA measured by RT-3D TEE Flexi Slice mode was better correlated with the device size used for occlusion (r = 0.90) than 2D TEE (r = 0.88). The interatial septal puncture, the exchange of the sheath, as well as the release of the device were executed under the guidance of RT-3D TEE during the procedure. The average number of closure devices utilized for optimal plugging was (1.11 ± 0.31). There were no clinically unacceptable residual shunts, pericardial effusion, or tamponade right after occlusion. All the patients had the device well-seated and no evidence of closure related complications in the follow-up.Assessment of LAA morphology by RT-3D TEE contributes to the decision of device selection for the closure. 3D TEE is a reliable imaging modality to guide device operation and assess on-site closure.

Real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography assessment of left ventricular shape and function after surgical remodelling

BackgroundReal-time three dimensional transoesoph-ageal echocardiography (RT 3D-TEE) may better reflect left ventricle (LV) shape and function than cconventional 2D-TEE. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ad-vantages of 3D analysis in shape assessment and to quantify the LV volume by ejection fraction (EF) measurement, after LV surgi-cal remodelling.MethodsIn a prospective manner, twenty consecu-tive coronary surgery patients with LV an-teroapical aneurysm and functional mitral regurgitation were analyzed by 2D- and thereafter by 3D- TEE before and after surgery. The key intraoperative inclusion criteria was a LVEF < 30% confirmed by intraoperative 3D-TEE immediately before surgical remodeling.ResultsBefore surgery, the geometry of post infarc-tion aneurysm shows negative curvatures of the antero-basal and infero-apical seg-ment and the apex of LV is shifted clock-wise, towards the mitral valve. Surgery had significantly reduced the LV volumes and the LVEF had increased by 13.3% as recorded by 2D-TEE and by 18.3% as as-sessed by 3D-TEE quantification (p < 0.001 for both). Accordingly, the longitudinal plane had been shortened, the apex was now shifted anti-clockwise towards the aorta and the inferior region had taken a more important function of the LV. Signifi-cantly lower values were observed in the EF measurement with 3D- vs 2D-TEE before remodelling (22.3 vs. 29.7%, p = 0.048). ConclusionImprovement of LV function occurred due to the increased systolic contraction of the inferior region after remodelling in pa-tients with postinfarction aneurysm.

OP-071 Assesing the Morphology of Patent Foramen Ovale With Real Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Patent foramen ovale has been suggested as a major cause of cryptogenic strokes and transient ischemic attack. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) with agitated saline contrast is currently the gold standard to diagnose PFO. Valsalva maneuver which is often used to improve the detection of PFOs may be difficult to perform in the sedated patients during TEE. The advent of a real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) allowed direct visualization of the entire fossa ovalis and surrounding structures. In this trial we evaluated the morphologies of PFO with real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and defined the morphologic features to decide the optimum device type in PFO closure.

Utility of Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Mitral Paravalvular Leak.

Mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) is a potential complication of surgical valve replacement procedures. Real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3DTEE) has emerged as an efficient tool for providing essential information about the anatomy of mitral PVLs compared with 2DTEE findings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of RT-3DTEE in the assessment of mitral PVLs. The 3D characteristics of PVLs were recorded and compared with 2D findings. We included 34 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of mitral PVL in the study. Mitral PVLs were detected in 26 patients (76%); 26 PVLs were identified by 2DTEE and 37 by RT-3DTEE. Moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was present in 23 patients (88%). The most common PVL locations were the septal and posterior regions. The median PVL size measured by RT-3DTEE was 7 mm long×4 mm wide. The median vena contracta of defect measured by 2DTEE and RT-3DTEE was 5 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The median effective regurgitant orifice area of defect measured by RT-3DTEE was 0.36 cm(2). The defect types were "oval" (54%), "round" (35%), "crescentic" (8%) and highly irregular (3%). Compared with 2DTEE, RT-3DTEE provided detailed descriptions of the number, location, size and morphology of PVLs, which is essential for planning and guiding the potential corrective techniques. (Circ J 2016; 80: 738-744).

Intracardiac Visualization of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in an In Vitro Passive Beating Heart.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair has emerged as a feasible and safe alternative in patients with contraindications for surgery or high operative risk.1 Cardiac imaging plays a central role in selecting patients, guiding the procedure, and evaluating the durability of the repair at follow-up. Real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is a key point to visualize and optimize transcatheter mitral valve repair for a good result. However, the chance to clarify, …

4-Dimensional Modeling of the Mitral Valve by Real-time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Objectives: The complexity of the mitral valve (MV) anatomy and function is not yet fully understood. Assessing especially the dynamic movement and interaction of MV components to define MV physiology during the complete cardiac cycle remains a challenge. We herein describe a novel semi-automated 4-dimensional MV model. Methods: The model applies quantitative analysis of the MV during a complete cardiac cycle based on real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) data. In 18 consecutive surgical patients with isolated coronary artery diseases (CAD) (mean age 68 ± 10 years; 13 male) and left ventricular ejection fraction of mean 54 ± 13%, RT3DE was performed. The MV annulus and leaflets were semi-automatically reconstructed. Mitral annular (anteroposterior and anterolateral-posteriomedial diameter, circumference, area) and leaflet dimensions (orifice area, intercommissural distance) were acquired. Variability and reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) for interobsever and intraobserver comparison were quantified at 4 time points of the cardiac cycle (mid-systole, end-systole, mid-diastole, end-diastole). Results: Mitral annulus dimensions provided excellent reliable and reproducible measurements throughout the cardiac cycle for interobserver (variability range, 0.5–1.5%; ICC range, 0.895–0.987) and intraobserver (variability range, 0.5–1.6%; ICC range, 0.827–0.980) comparison, respectively. Leaflet dimensions showed higher variability and lower correlation in systolic phase (variability range, 0.6–22.4%; ICC range, 0.446–0.915). Whereas leaflet parameters showed high reliability in diastolic phase (variability range, 0.6–9.1%; ICC range, 0.750–0.986). Conclusions: This 4-dimensional model allows detailed reconstruction including quantification of the complex MV structure and dynamic for the first time. The model has proven feasibility, reliability and repeatability.

RT3D TEE Superior to 2D TEE in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mitral Periprosthetic Leaks

This study compared 2-dimensional vs real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mitral periprosthetic leaks. Benefits of real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography include the accuracy and reliability with which it records measurements of chamber size and function, and its improved ability to delineate valvular and congenital abnormalities.

Transesophageal Monitoring in Anaesthesia: An Update

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is increasingly used for diagnosis and monitoring in a number of clinical areas for assessment of cardiac structure and function. The use of TEE is well established in cardiac surgery but in non-cardiac surgery, TEE is recommended in preexistent cardiovascular disease causing hemodynamic compromise or in the presence of refractory hemodynamic instability or hypoxemia. Real-time 3-dimensional TEE provides exceptional images and unique views which have been pivotal in the success of minimally invasive surgery and transcatheter interventions. Although TEE is a relatively safe procedure, guidelines for standardized training, techniques and research protocols are recommended by most august bodies. The use of simulation-based learning has aided training by providing structured training opportunities and sufficient training time. TEE is a semi-invasive, portable, safe and readily available imaging modality that is likely to see an upsurge due to innovations in technology, miniaturization and an increase in minimally invasive procedures.

Transesophageal echocardiography during MitraClip® procedure.

The percutaneous mitral valve (MV) repair procedure performed with the MitraClip delivery system is increasingly used to treat severe mitral regurgitation in high-risk patients. The treatment involves percutaneous insertion and positioning of a clip between the MV leaflets. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a key role in the procedure by providing information regarding clip navigation, clip alignment to the MV coaptation line, transmitral advancement of the system, leaflet grasping, confirmation of valve tissue catching, and assessment of the final result. Real-time 3-dimensional TEE has increasing value in percutaneous MV repair providing high-quality visualization of both the heart and the intravascular devices. Optimal visualization by 3-dimensional TEE is obtained through both the atrial and ventricular aspects. In contrast to MV surgery, where TEE is involved in the prebypass assessment phase and in evaluation of the final repair, TEE is mandatory to guide management during MitraClip repair. Cardiac anesthesiologists may provide assistance to interventional cardiologists during the procedure itself in addition to their anesthetic-related tasks.

LV Outflow Tract Area in Discrete Subaortic Stenosis and Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Study

Precise anatomical analysis of stenotic lesions of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) in discrete subaortic membranous stenosis (DSS) and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is challenging due to their complex nature [(1,2)][1]. In the present study, we clarified the difference of

Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Ventriculoatrial Shunt (Gerbode Defect) Complicating Simultaneous Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Repair

![Figure][1] [![Graphic][3] ][3][![Graphic][4] ][4][![Graphic][5] ][5][![Graphic][6] ][6] A 67-year-old man presented with worsening dyspnea 1 month after double mitral and tricuspid valve repair. Physical examination revealed high-pitched holosystolic murmur across the

Evaluation of Vegetation Size and Its Relationship With Embolism in Infective Endocarditis

Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography studies have shown that the maximum length of vegetation (MLV)≥10 mm is a predictor of embolic events (EEs) in patients with infective endocarditis. However, 2D measurements probably underestimate the vegetation dimensions. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in determining MLV and its accuracy in identifying the risk for EEs compared with 2D transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). We analyzed 60 patients with vegetations. RT3DTEE measurement of MLV was obtained with Advanced QLAB Quantification Software by cropping the 3D volume with the appropriate 2D plane to obtain the largest value. The standard 2DTEE images were also evaluated to determine the MLV. Major EEs were registered from medical records, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between MLV and EEs. The RT3DTEE MLV was larger than the 2DTEE value with a mean difference of 3.2 mm (95% confidence interval, 2.1-4.2 mm). The best cut-off value for prediction of EEs was MLV≥20 mm with RT3DTEE and MLV≥16 mm with 2DTEE. The positive predictive value increased from 59.1% to 65.2% when RT3DTEE was used. The accuracy of classification of patients with EEs increased from 65% to 70% with this new technique. RT3DTEE is a feasible technique for the analysis of vegetation morphology and size that may overcome the shortcoming of 2DTEE, leading to a better prediction of the embolism risk in patients with infective endocarditis.