Standard Transesophageal Echocardiography Research Articles

Safety and Efficacy of Mini-Invasive Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Propensity-Score Analysis

BackgroundLeft atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for prevention of stroke is validated in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) contraindicated to oral anticoagulation. General anaesthesia (GA) is often used for procedural guidance by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE); however, its use may be challenging in some patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and the midterm efficacy of a mini-invasive LAAC strategy using micro-TEE under procedural sedation. MethodsComparison by propensity score of 2 cohorts of consecutive patients who underwent LAAC: standard TEE-guided LAAC (3-dimensional [3D] TEE under GA) and mini-invasive LAAC strategy (micro-TEE under procedural sedation). The primary endpoint was a composite of embolic or bleeding events, significant per procedural complication, and cardiovascular deaths within 3 months after LAAC. ResultsIn total, 432 patients were included (78.7 ± 8 years old, 32.4% of women, CHA2DS2VASC score: 4.9 ± 1.1); 127 patients underwent mini-invasive LAAC strategy and were compared with 305 patients standard TEE-guided LAAC. The mini-invasive strategy was achieved in 122 of 127 (96.1%) planned patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 11.2% of patients from the mini-invasive LAAC strategy group and in 10.3% of patients from the standard TEE group (absolute difference = 0.9% [–6.4; 4.5], hazard ratio = 1.11 [0.56; 2.19], P = 0.76). Procedural times, fluoroscopy duration, and hospital stays were shorter in the mini-invasive LAAC strategy group (P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe mini-invasive LAAC strategy is safe and effective compared with the standard TEE-guided LAAC strategy. A mini-invasive LAAC strategy may also be an important tool to help physicians to treat more patients as LAAC indications evolve in the future.

Predictive value of echocardiography combined with CT angiography for left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the detection rate of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) formation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients using three methods and the efficacy of combined electrocardiogram (ECG) and Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of LAAT. A total of 80 NVAF patients who underwent Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at our hospital from August 2018 to August 2022 were included in the study. The baseline data of patients were observed, and the positive rates of LAAT formation by ECG, CTA, and TEE were compared. The efficacy of combined ECG and CTA in the diagnosis of LAAT was also evaluated. Among the 80 NVAF patients, 23 were LAAT positive and 57 were LAAT negative. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide NT-probNP, fibrinogen, CHA2DS2-VASC [congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age (75 or older), diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age (65-74), sex category] score, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, renal insufficiency, D-dimer, heart failure, and serum uric acid (p<0.05). The positive rate of LAAT detected by ECG combined with CTA was closest to the gold standard TEE, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between LAAT positive and negative patients in various parameters related to left atrial and left ventricular dimensions and function (p<0.05), while some parameters showed no significant differences (p>0.05). ECG combined with CTA has a high diagnostic value for LAAT formation in NVAF patients, with a high degree of confidence and reduced patient intolerance. The sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of ECG combined with CTA for the diagnosis of LAAT formation in NVAF patients are high and have good predictive value.

Closed-Loop Magnetic Manipulation for Robotic Transesophageal Echocardiography

This article presents a closed-loop magnetic manipulation framework for robotic transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) acquisitions. Different from previous work on intracorporeal robotic ultrasound acquisitions that focus on continuum robot control, we first investigate the use of magnetic control methods for more direct, intuitive, and accurate manipulation of the distal tip of the probe. We modify a standard TEE probe by attaching a permanent magnet and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor to the probe tip and replacing the flexible gastroscope with a soft tether containing only wires for transmitting ultrasound and IMU data and show that six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) localization and five-DOF closed-loop control of the probe can be achieved with an external permanent magnet based on the fusion of internal inertial measurement and external magnetic field sensing data. The proposed method does not require complex structures or motions of the actuator and the probe compared with existing magnetic manipulation methods. We have conducted extensive experiments to validate the effectiveness of the framework in terms of localization accuracy, update rate, workspace size, and tracking accuracy. In addition, our results obtained on a realistic cardiac tissue-mimicking phantom show that the proposed framework is applicable in real conditions and can generally meet the requirements for teleoperated TEE acquisitions.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Under Miniaturized Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance and Conscious Sedation: Multicenter European Experience

BackgroundLeft atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures are widely guided by standard transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes, requiring general anesthesia in most patients. The use of miniaturized TEE probes allows for LAAO guidance under local anesthesia and offers an attractive imaging alternative to standard TEE probes. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of miniaturized TEE probes for procedural guidance of LAAO. MethodsMulticenter retrospective observational study of LAAO procedures performed under miniaturized TEE guidance and conscious sedation. The primary efficacy endpoint was technical success. The secondary efficacy endpoint was procedural success (technical success without major periprocedural complications). The safety outcome was a composite of major periprocedural complications. ResultsA total of 546 consecutive LAAO procedures were performed in 5 European centers. Technical success was achieved in 534 (98.0%) patients. Sixteen major periprocedural complications occurred in 15 (2.9%) patients, yielding a procedural success rate of 97.0%. Conversion to general anesthesia was required in 4 (0.7%) patients. Short-term imaging follow-up was available in 422 patients with an incidence of major (>5 mm) TEE-detected residual leaks of 0.7%, complete LAA occlusion of 82.2% on cardiac computed tomography, and device-related thrombus of 5%. As compared with procedural 2-dimensional imaging for device sizing, preprocedural assessment by 3-dimensional imaging resulted in improved technical success (100% vs 95.0%; P < 0.001). ConclusionsLAAO under conscious sedation and miniaturized TEE guidance is safe and feasible with a high rate of technical success and a low rate of periprocedural complications.

Basic Transesophageal Echocardiography Education for Senior Anesthesiology Residents—Institutional Experience

The use of basic transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in critically ill and older surgical patients can change patient management and improve outcomes after noncardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that educating the future generation on basic TEE skills by an intense two-month rotation will help them achieve basic TEE certification by the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) and facilitate good use of their skills for patient care during their practice. This is a descriptive report of graduating anesthesiology residents who completed two months basic TEE rotation at the authors' residency program between 2013 and 2019. The authors report the clinical training goals, NBE testamur and certification status, and a survey report on the use of basic TEE skills in their practice SETTINGS: University medical center. Residents who completed two months basic TEE rotation during their Clinical Anesthesia (CA)-3 year. None. Of a total of 115 residents, 67 (58%) elected basic TEE rotation. The NBE basic TEE certification and testamur status were achieved by 12 (21%) and 14 (24%) eligible residents, respectively. Residents (n = 43) personally performed 73 ± 21 (mean ± standard deviation) and reviewed 72 ± 28 (mean ± standard deviation basic TEE studies before graduation. The survey indicated that 63.4% of residents trained in basic TEE did not use their skills in their practice. Two months' basic TEE rotation was able to fulfill its educational goals (testamur status and clinical training) but fell short on achieving NBE certification rate and its ultimate impact on practice and patient care.

Novel robotic TCD ultrasound with bubbles versus standard care to detect right to left shunt: Study methods.

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeRight to left shunt (RLS), from patent foramen ovale (PFO) or elsewhere, is a recognized risk factor for stroke. Current standard of care for RLS diagnosis includes transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) which is insensitive, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which is invasive, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) which has excellent sensitivity and specificity for RLS but is heavily operator dependent and expertise is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the RLS detection rate of a novel robotic‐assisted TCD (ra‐TCD) to standard of care diagnostic techniques, including TTE, TEE, and TCD.MethodsThis is a multicenter, prospective, single‐arm, nonsignificant risk device study of ra‐TCD versus TTE for RLS diagnosis in adult patients who present with neurological signs and symptoms that include embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack on the differential diagnosis. Up to 150 subjects will be enrolled at up to seven centers considering the prevalence of PFO, suboptimal transtemporal windows, and potential dropouts. Enrolled patients will undergo ra‐TCD supine and at 45° in a manner otherwise in line with standard of care TCD bubble technique. The enrolled patients will have undergone TTE, and optionally standard TCD and TEE, per usual care.ResultsThe primary efficacy endpoint is percent detection of RLS by ra‐TCD compared against TTE. The primary safety endpoint is the incidence of device‐related serious adverse events.ConclusionsThis is the first multicenter, prospective study evaluating the accuracy, feasibility, and safety of novel ra‐TCD for the diagnosis of RLS as compared to standard of care diagnostics.

Abstract 13097: Feasibility and Safety of Trans-nasal Transesophageal Echocardiography Guiding Left Atrial Appendage Closure Without General Anesthesia

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAO), may be an alternative therapy to non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. And the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the mainstay of the imaging technology to guide LAAO procedures. However, in the local anesthesia state, LAAO cannot be accomplished under the real-time guidance of conventional TEE with the standard adult TEE probe. The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility and safety of trans-nasal TEE with the microprobe to guide LAAO without general anesthesia. Methods: A total of 30 non-valvular AF participants were enrolled in the study. All participants both underwent conventional TEE examination with the standard adult TEE probe before LAAO, and the real-time guidance of trans-nasal TEE with the microprobe intraoperatively under local anesthesia. Results: There weren’t significant difficulties to insert the microprobe into the esophagus through the nares. All patients tolerated the trans-nasal approach well. Image quality by the microprobe was reviewed as good (67.3%) and acceptable (36.7%) by two different echocardiographers. The devices were successfully implanted in all participants. No observed significant residual peri-device leaks by the microprobe at the time of the procedure and by the standard TEE on a median of 55 days (interquartile range: 48 to 66 days) postoperatively. 2(7%) patients had mild epistaxis after the procedure, and there were no other severe complications. Conclusion: The present study preliminarily showed the feasibility and safety of the trans-nasal micro-TEE and suggested it may become an alternative to conventional TEE to guide LAAO procedure without general anesthesia.

Review: Detection of patient foramen ovale using transcranial Doppler or standard echocardiography.

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common remnant of fetal circulation present in up to 25% of the worldwide adult population. Paradoxical embolism occurs when venous blood crosses the PFO into the arterial system, bypassing the pulmonary circulation. This allows for the direct passage of microemboli into cerebral blood vessels, increasing the risk of cryptogenic stroke. This review investigates the current diagnostic procedures used to detect and grade a PFO, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and transcranial Doppler (TCD). Only a few studies have directly compared the use of TTE with TCD for PFO detection but several have compared TTE and TCD independently against the clinical gold standard TOE. Known pitfalls of TTE and TCD are also discussed, including the difficulty of differentiating between intracardiac shunts and intrapulmonary shunts. This review also discusses methods to optimise imaging, such as performing an adequate Valsalva manoeuvre, the role of abdominal compression and the choice of the injection site for the contrast agent and how these may increase the diagnostic success of detecting a right-to-left shunt when prompted by a clinician.

Role of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography in the assessment of left atrial function and its relation to the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with non-valvular paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Introduction The study aimed to evaluate the role of speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in the assessment of left atrial (LA) function and its relation to the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) compared with the gold standard transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) among patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients and methods Forty five patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF were included in the study. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) immediately prior to or following clinically indicated TEE. LA deformation parameters such as left atrial global longitudinal strain-reservoir (LAGLS-RES), left atrial global longitudinal strain pump (LAGLS-pump), left atrial strain rate systolic (LA SR S), left atrial strain rate emptying (LA SR E), and left atrial strain rate atrial (LA SR A) were measured using 2D-STE. Through TEE, we assessed the presence of LAAT, left atrial appendage ejection fraction (LAA EF), left atrial appendage emptying (LAA E), and left atrial appendage filling (LAA F) velocities. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of LAAT. Results LAAT was detected in 14 (31%) patients of our study population. STE-derived LAGLS-RES, LAGLS-pump, and LA SR A values were found to be significantly lower in patients with LAAT. There was positive correlation between LAA E velocity and LAGLS-RES, LAGLS-pump, LA SR S, and LA SR A (r=0.358, P Conclusion 2-D STE can be used for the assessment of LA mechanical function and discriminate patients with LAAT from those without LAAT compared with the gold standard TEE among patients with non-valvular paroxysmal AF.

Useful indices of thrombogenesis in the exclusion of intra‐cardiac thrombus

BackgroundCardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause cardioembolic stroke, and effective clinical management is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the accepted standard to diagnose cardiogenic thromboemboli; however, a negative TEE does not eliminate the possibility of left atrial thrombus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of supplementing the TEE with additional noninvasive markers to ensure thrombus absence.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 59 patients who underwent TEE for suspected intra‐cardiac thrombi. The TEE indications included acute ischemic stroke (45.7%) and AF or flutter (59.3%). D‐dimer level and white blood cell counts were assessed.ResultsA negative D‐dimer level (<200 ng/mL) excluded the presence of intra‐cardiac thrombi. Groups with either negative (n = 14) or positive (n = 45) D‐dimer levels had comparable clinical characteristics. Comparing positive D‐dimer–level patients with thrombus (n = 7) and without thrombus (n = 33), patients with thrombus had reduced left atrial appendage (LAA) velocity (P = .0024), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P = .0263), increased neutrophil percent (P = .0261), decreased lymphocyte percent (P = .0216), and increased monocyte counts (P = .0220). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for thrombus diagnostics was larger for combinations of clinical and biochemical data than for each parameter individually.ConclusionsSupplementing the gold standard TEE with the analysis of LAA velocity, noninvasive LVEF, D‐dimer, and hemostatic markers provided additional useful diagnostic information. Larger studies are needed to further validate the efficacy of supplementing the TEE to better assess patients for intra‐cardiac thrombi.

Intraoperative renal resistive index threshold as an acute kidney injury biomarker.

The lag in creatinine-mediated diagnosis of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) may be impeding the development of renoprotection therapies. Postoperative renal resistive index (RRI) measured by transabdominal Doppler ultrasound is a promising early AKI biomarker. RRI measured intraoperatively by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is available even earlier but is less evaluated. Therefore, we conducted an assessment of intraoperative RRI as an AKI biomarker using previously reported post-renal insult thresholds. Retrospective convenience sample. Intraoperative. 180 adult cardiac surgical patients between July 2013 and July 2014. None. Pre- and post-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) RRI thresholds, measured using intraoperative TEE, exceeding 0.74 or 0.79 were used to evaluate for an association with KDIGO AKI risk using the Chi-square test. Other consensus AKI criteria (AKIN, RIFLE) were similarly evaluated. Additional t-test analyses examined the relationship of pre- and pre-to-post (delta) CPB RRI with AKI. Post-CPB RRI for 99 patients included 36 and 23 with values exceeding 0.74 and 0.79, respectively. Analyses confirmed associations of both RRI thresholds with all consensus AKI definitions (0.74; KDIGO: p = 0.05, AKIN: p = 0.03, RIFLE: p = 0.03, 0.79; KDIGO: p = 0.002, AKIN: p = 0.001, RIFLE: p = 0.004). In contrast, pre-CPB and pre-to post-CPB RRI were not associated with AKI. RRI obtained intraoperatively in cardiac surgery patients, assessed using previously reported thresholds, is highly associated with AKI and warrants further evaluation as a promising "earliest" AKI biomarker. These significant findings suggest that RRI assessment should be included in the standard intraoperative TEE exam.

MITRAL VALVE GEOMETRY IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR OUTFLOW TRACT OBSTRUCTION

Aim. To evaluate structural features of the mitral valve (MV) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and to identify characteristics of MV structural remodeling in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients using three-dimensional MV quantification analysis.Material and Methods. The study included 48 patients with HOCM and 15 patients with arterial hypertension and LVH. All patients underwent standard echocardiography and real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography, followed by MV reconstruction with quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis of MV included assessment of the mitral annulus and cusps.Results. Differences in characteristics of three-dimensional MV model between patients with HOCM and arterial hypertension and LVH were identified. In patients with HOCM, the height of the fibrous ring of the MV was increased compared to that in patients with arterial hypertension (8.00±1.72 mm vs. 5.99±1.95 mm; p=0.02). Mitral annular height (r=-0.55; p=0.02) and area(3D) (r=-0.30; p=0.04) correlated with peak LV outflow tract (LVOT) gradient. MV nonplanarity index was higher in HOCM patients (2.37±0.47 units vs. 1.73±0.62 units; p=0.02). Mitral annular maximal velocity correlated with peak (r=0.48, p=0.002) and mean (r=0.47, p=0.01) LVOT gradients. Anterior (6.40±2.04 sm2 vs. 5.07±1.04 sm2 ; p&lt;0.05) and posterior (6.61±2.01 см2 vs. 5.27±1.23 см2 ; p=0.006) cusp areas, total cusp area (13.01±3.54 sm2 vs. 10.34±1.82 sm2 ; p=0.008), and total cusp area to annular area ratio (1.31±0.2 units vs. 1.15±0.09 units; р=0.01) had higher values in patients with HOCM. Correlation existed between anterior leaflet length and peak LVOT gradient (r=-0.45; p=0.01). Patients with HOCM had increased anterior leaflet angle compared to patients with arterial hypertension and LVH (32.13±9.21° vs. 24.86±4.45°; р=0.04).Conclusion. Compared to patients with arterial hypertension and LVH, patients with HOCM experienced more pronounced MV annular remodeling presented as an increase in the annular height, which was accompanied by an increase in the cusp areas and the anterior leaflet angle. In patients with HOCM, the annular area and the maximum mitral annular velocity correlated with LVOT gradient.

MITRAL VALVE GEOMETRY IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR OUTFLOW TRACT OBSTRUCTION

Aim. To evaluate structural features of the mitral valve (MV) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and to identify characteristics of MV structural remodeling in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients using three-dimensional MV quantification analysis.Material and Methods. The study included 48 patients with HOCM and 15 patients with arterial hypertension and LVH. All patients underwent standard echocardiography and real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography, followed by MV reconstruction with quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis of MV included assessment of the mitral annulus and cusps.Results. Differences in characteristics of three-dimensional MV model between patients with HOCM and arterial hypertension and LVH were identified. In patients with HOCM, the height of the fibrous ring of the MV was increased compared to that in patients with arterial hypertension (8.00±1.72 mm vs. 5.99±1.95 mm; p=0.02). Mitral annular height (r=-0.55; p=0.02) and area(3D) (r=-0.30; p=0.04) correlated with peak LV outflow tract (LVOT) gradient. MV nonplanarity index was higher in HOCM patients (2.37±0.47 units vs. 1.73±0.62 units; p=0.02). Mitral annular maximal velocity correlated with peak (r=0.48, p=0.002) and mean (r=0.47, p=0.01) LVOT gradients. Anterior (6.40±2.04 sm2 vs. 5.07±1.04 sm2 ; p&lt;0.05) and posterior (6.61±2.01 см2 vs. 5.27±1.23 см2 ; p=0.006) cusp areas, total cusp area (13.01±3.54 sm2 vs. 10.34±1.82 sm2 ; p=0.008), and total cusp area to annular area ratio (1.31±0.2 units vs. 1.15±0.09 units; р=0.01) had higher values in patients with HOCM. Correlation existed between anterior leaflet length and peak LVOT gradient (r=-0.45; p=0.01). Patients with HOCM had increased anterior leaflet angle compared to patients with arterial hypertension and LVH (32.13±9.21° vs. 24.86±4.45°; р=0.04).Conclusion. Compared to patients with arterial hypertension and LVH, patients with HOCM experienced more pronounced MV annular remodeling presented as an increase in the annular height, which was accompanied by an increase in the cusp areas and the anterior leaflet angle. In patients with HOCM, the annular area and the maximum mitral annular velocity correlated with LVOT gradient.

Introductory Experience in Transesophageal Echocardiography for Anesthesiology Residents.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become an important imaging modality for anesthesiologists to monitor and identify major cardiothoracic pathology in both noncardiac and cardiac surgical patients during the perioperative period. Knowledge in basic TEE sonoanatomy and the ability to obtain 11 basic views is a necessary foundation for junior residents so they may focus on using TEE as a monitor and tool to identify major cardiothoracic pathology later in their training. The purpose of the rotation is to introduce TEE image acquisition to clinical anesthesia Year 1 (CA-1) and CA-2 residents. In this module, the anesthesiology resident is assigned to a specific TEE-week rotation in the cardiovascular center. There are three main components to our TEE curriculum: (1) web-based and simulator-based exposure to image acquisition and sonoanatomy, (2) intraoperative exposure to image acquisition and sonoanatomy, and (3) the 11 standard basic TEE views worksheet and assessment tool. Using the 11 standard basic TEE views assessment tool, 100% of the residents who went through the curriculum were able to obtain at least nine of the 11 views without prompting. Forty-five percent (n = 5) of CA-1 were able to obtain all 11 views without prompting, while 58% of the CA-2s were able to obtain all 11 views without prompting. The preliminary results from our TEE curriculum are promising. We hope that this early exposure will lead to better learning on the residents' cardiac rotations in the CA-2 and CA-3 years by allowing them to start recognizing major pathology on TEE early on.

Identification of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombi in Patients With Persistent and Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Using Intra-Cardiac Echocardiography and Cardiac Computed Tomography.

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT), in addition to standard transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), have been used to identify left atrial (LA) thrombi prior to ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The clinical advantages of this, however, remain unclear. This study therefore investigated the advantages of additional pre-procedural LA appendage (LAA) thrombus evaluation using ICE and the clinical value of CCT in persistent and long-standing persistent AF.Methods and Results:We analyzed data from 108 consecutive patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF who were scheduled to undergo AF ablation. TEE was performed within 24 h prior to ablation. ICE was performed for 97 patients in whom a thrombus was not detected on TEE. CCT was performed in 95 patients. Thrombus or sludge was detected on TEE in 11 patients (10.3%), for whom ablation was cancelled. Four additional patients were diagnosed with LAA thrombus on ICE. When TEE and ICE were used as the reference for thrombus detection, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CCT for identifying contrast defects in the LAA were 100%, 81.0%, 40.7%, and 100%, respectively. ICE combined with TEE increased the detection rate of LAA thrombi in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. Moreover, CCT had high sensitivity and negative predictive value for LAA thrombus detection.

Effects of postural change on transesophageal echocardiography views and parameters in healthy dogs.

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of postural change on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) views and parameters of interest anesthesia monitoring in healthy dogs. Twelve Beagle dogs were anesthetized and randomly positioned in one of four postures: right lateral-recumbency, left lateral-recumbency, supine position and prone position. After examinations in one posture, the same examination was demonstrated in another posture and repeated in all postures. In each posture, several standard TEE views were demonstrated: longitudinal cranial-esophageal aorta long-axis-view, transverse middle-esophageal mitral valve long-axis-view and transgastric middle short-axis-view. Additionally, echocardiographic parameters were attempted to measure, and direct blood pressure monitoring was performed in each view. As a result, oriented views, except for transgastric middle short-axis-view, could be obtained in all postures. Stroke volume and peak early diastolic velocity of mitral inflow were lower in supine position compared with those in right and left lateral-recumbency. Heart rate (HR) and systemic vascular resistance were higher in supine position compared with those in right and left lateral-recumbency. Left ventricular pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time corrected and uncorrected by HR were higher in supine position compared with those in right and left lateral-recumbency. In conclusion, longitudinal cranial-esophageal aorta long-axis-view and transverse middle-esophageal mitral valve long-axis-view provide useful information of interest anesthesia monitoring, because of their views enable to certainly obtain TEE parameters in various postures. Furthermore, TEE parameters allow to detect the changes of preload, afterload and HR that occur in supine position dogs.

Detailed Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiographic Analysis of Mitral Leaflets in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair

A recent histological study of resected scallop-P2 in mitral valve (MV) prolapse, showed that chordae tendinae may be missing or hidden in superimposed fibrous tissue of the leaflets, contributing to their thickening. This may have relevant clinical implication because detailed analysis of MV leaflets has a central role in the evaluation of patients undergoing repair. The aim of this study was to analyze MV leaflets focusing on thickness of prolapsing segments and the presence of chordal rupture (CR). We enrolled 246 patients (age 63 ± 13years, 72 men) with isolated P2 prolapse and also 50 age-matched patients with normal MV anatomy as control group. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were retrospectively analyzed to quantify the length and the proximal and distal thickness of both anterior (A2) and posterior (P2) MV scallops. Measurements were performed at end diastole in the standard TTE and TEE views. TTE and TEE measurements were feasible in all cases. Echocardiographically 176 patients had CR (group A), 45 had no rupture (group B), and 25 had an uncertain diagnosis (group C). All pathological groups showed thickening and elongation of involved leaflets versus normal, whereas no differences in leaflets characteristics were found among MV groups. Most patients undergoing MV repair had CR with thickening of the prolapsed segment. These findings are in agreement with recent histological studies showing superimposed fibrous tissue on MV leaflets partially including ruptured chordae. This may also explain that in cases without ruptured chordae, thickness of the leaflets is markedly increased (hidden chordae?). In conclusion, detailed analysis of MV apparatus may further improve knowledge of these patients and may influence surgical timing.

Hemodynamic assessment of ventilated ICU patients with cardiorespiratory failure using a miniaturized multiplane transesophageal echocardiography probe.

To assess the feasibility, image quality, diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic impact and tolerance of diagnostic and hemodynamic assessment using a novel miniaturized multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe in ventilated ICU patients with cardiopulmonary compromise. Prospective, descriptive, single-center study. Fifty-seven ventilated patients with acute circulatory or respiratory failure were assessed, using a miniaturized multiplane TEE probe and a standard TEE probe used as reference, randomly by two independent experienced operators. Measurements of hemodynamic parameters were independently performed off-line by a third expert. Diagnostic groups of acute circulatory failure (n = 5) and of acute respiratory failure (n = 3) were distinguished. Hemodynamic monitoring was performed in 9 patients using the miniaturized TEE probe. TEE tolerance and therapeutic impact were reported. The miniaturized TEE probe was easier to insert than the standard TEE probe. Despite lower imaging quality of the miniaturized TEE probe, the two probes had excellent diagnostic agreement in patients with acute circulatory failure (Kappa: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.85-1) and with acute respiratory failure (Kappa: 1; 95% CI: 1.0-1.0). Accordingly, therapeutic strategies derived from both TEE examinations were concordant (Kappa: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.66-0.97). The concordance between quantitative hemodynamic parameters obtained with both TEE probes was also excellent. No relevant complication secondary to TEE probes insertion occurred. Hemodynamic assessment of ventilated ICU patients with cardiopulmonary compromise using a miniaturized multiplane TEE probe appears feasible, well-tolerated, and relevant in terms of diagnostic information and potential therapeutic impact. Further larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Simulation-based learning of transesophageal echocardiography in cardiothoracic surgical trainees: A prospective, randomized study

ObjectivesThe Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum now recommends that cardiac surgical trainees should be able to understand and interpret transesophageal echocardiography images. However, cardiac surgical trainees receive limited formal transesophageal echocardiography training. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of simulation-based teaching versus more traditional operating room teaching on transesophageal echocardiography knowledge in cardiac surgical trainees. MethodsA total of 25 cardiac surgical trainees with no formal transesophageal echocardiography learning experience were randomly assigned by computer to a study group receiving simulation-based transesophageal echocardiography teaching via the Heartworks (Inventive Medical, London, UK) simulator (n = 12) or a control group receiving transesophageal echocardiography teaching during elective cardiac surgery (n = 13). Each subject undertook a video-based test composed of 20 multiple choice questions on standard transesophageal echocardiography views before and after teaching. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the pretest scores between the 2 groups (P = .89). After transesophageal echocardiography teaching, subjects within each group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in transesophageal echocardiography knowledge. Although the subjects within the simulation group outperformed their counterparts in the operating room teaching group in the post-test scores, this difference was not significant (P = .14). ConclusionsDespite the familiarity with transesophageal echocardiography images during surgery, subjects in the simulation group performed at least as well as those in the operating room group. Surgical trainees will benefit from formal transesophageal echocardiography teaching incorporated into their training via either learning method.

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Introduction: Following cardiac surgery, patients are prone to hemodynamic instability due to bleeding, vasodilation, hypovolemia, and/or impaired ventricular function. Standard transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is impractical for extended and simultaneous use in multiple patients, and transthoracic echocardiography is often precluded by poor imaging windows. An easily placed, miniaturized, detachable probe FDA-approved for 72 hrs continuous TEE (ImaCor®), facilitates rapid hemodynamic assessment (hTEE) in unstable intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, IRB approved review of all patients receiving hTEE in our cardiothoracic ICU from April 2012 through April 2013. Results: We reviewed a total of 56 imaging sessions from 35 hTEE probe insertions in 33 patients with hemodynamic instability. Of these, 15 patients had newly placed ventricular assist devices (VADs) (9 long-term and 6 short-term), 7 had extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices, 10 underwent valve surgeries, and 6 underwent heart transplantation or a combination of the above procedures. Reports were available for analysis for 52 of the 56 total imaging sessions. Of these 52 sessions, 40 (79%) impacted clinical decision making. Specifically, hTEE imaging guided management regarding need for surgical intervention for possible tamponade (n=6), VAD therapy (n=6), fluid management (n=4), inotropic support (n=3), and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) (n=2). It provided new information on right and left ventricular function in 14 (41%) and 11 (31%) of the 35 insertions, respectively. In 5 patients, hTEE imaging was deemed to be of poor quality. Conclusions: In this series, postoperative hTEE provided real-time hemodynamic information that altered management in 79% of imaging sessions. As such, hTEE provides an essential, cost-effective “bridge” between intraoperative TEE and postoperative TTE that can facilitate rapid clinical decision-making in high-risk situations, and potentially guide more rapid weaning of expensive therapies such as ECMO, short-term VAD support, and/or iNO.