Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment Research Articles

Evaluating cardiac performance in beagle dogs: Transesophageal echocardiography and myocardial work assessment.

This study aimed to establish standard transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measurements of left ventricular (LV) morphology, function, and myocardial work parameters in healthy Beagle dogs using pressure-strain loops (PSL). Additionally, it sought to standardize optimal TEE imaging techniques and explore the potiential application of myocardial work analyis in veterinary medicine. Thirty-seven healthy male Beagle dogs were anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated for TEE examinations. LV systolic and diastolic function were evaluated, with simultaneous invasive femoral artery pressure measurements. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), myocardial work parameters, PSL-derived metrics were analyzed. The mean LV GLS was -16.0±4.0%, and the LV global myocardial work index (GWI) was 888±298.6mmHg∗%. Global Myocardial work efficiency (GWE) was 88±3%, while global myocardial wasted work (GWW) was 152mmHg∗% (38-431mmHg∗%). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) averaged 58.7±4.4%. Left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volume (LVESV) were 19.3±5.2ml and 8.0±2.3ml, respectively. Regional myocardial work analysis revealed significant differences between the interventricular septum and lateral wall. The lateral wall demonstrated reduced segmental work efficiency (SWE), work index (SWI), and constructive work (SCW) but higher wasted work (SWW) compared to the septum (p<0.05). TEE provides detail morphological and functional assessments of the Beagle hearts, offering reference data for future studies. Myocardial work analysis presents a novel method for evaluate myocardial contractility and mechanical properties, with promising applicatons in veterinary medicine.

3D transoesophageal echocardiographic assessment of acute reverse remodelling of the tricuspid annulus after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

Our study aims to evaluate the acute remodelling of the tricuspid valve annulus immediately after the tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) by using intraprocedural transoesophageal 3D echocardiography. We prospectively enrolled 62 consecutive symptomatic patients with at least severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), who underwent T-TEER with the TriClip System between March 2021 and June 2024. The following parameters were assessed using a multiplanar reconstruction analysis performed off-line using a 3D data set: septal-lateral (SL) and antero-posterior (AP) annulus diameters; annulus area; annulus perimeter; and eccentricity index. The acute procedural success was achieved in 85.5%. We observed an acute reduction in SL (from a median of 43 to 38 mm, P < 0.0001), AP (from a median of 46 to 45 mm, P < 0.0001), area (from a median of 17.9 to 15.95 cm2, P < 0.0001), perimeter (from a median of 145.5 to 137 mm, P < 0.0001), and eccentricity index (from 0.92 to 0.87, P < 0.0001). The tricuspid valve (TV) annulus was progressively larger in patients with higher residual TR. Analysis of the subgroups according to procedural success showed an acute inverse remodelling of the TV annulus independent of the acute procedural success. The TV geometry necessitates the use of 3D echocardiography for accurate assessment of annular remodelling post T-TEER. The reduction in TR grade and TV annulus dimensions begins immediately after TriClip implantation. Concurrently, the baseline TV geometry influences the procedural results.

335 Assessment of Transesophageal Echocardiography on Chest Compression Fraction and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Non-Traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

335 Assessment of Transesophageal Echocardiography on Chest Compression Fraction and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Non-Traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Perioperative echocardiography in minimally invasive surgery for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is clinically symptomatic and prone to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Currently, an effective treatment is surgical resection of the hypertrophic ventricular septum to relieve the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and mitral insufficiency. Our center performs an innovative, minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy for transaortic septal myectomy. Minimally invasive procedures rely more on perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This study aimed to explore the use of echocardiography during the perioperative period of surgical intervention for HOCM. Between August 2021 and April 2022, 27 patients with HOCM underwent cardiac surgery at our hospital. Minimally invasive transaortic septal resection (Morrow myectomy) was performed from the right axilla. The extent of myectomy and need for mitral valve repair were based on perioperative TEE assessment and surgical findings. The demographic parameters and clinical data of patients were recorded. The cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp, and mechanical ventilation times were calculated. TEE was used to assess ventricular wall thickening and anatomical abnormalities of mitral regurgitation, assist in intravenous catheterization, and assess the postoperative gradients of the LVOT. Among the 27 patients with HOCM who underwent transaortic septal myectomy by minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy, 16 had LVOT obstruction, 2 had mid-LV obstruction, and 9 had both LVOT and mid-LV involvement. TEE provides information about the fine structure of the LV cavity and the etiology of the obstruction. In all cases, LVOT obstruction and mitral valve systolic anterior motion were resolved postoperatively, and the degree of mitral regurgitation was significantly reduced. Perioperative echocardiography provides valuable information regarding the complex etiology of LVOT obstruction during minimally invasive right infra-axillary thoracotomy for transaortic septal myectomy. It helps determine the extent of septal resection and assess the need for concomitant mitral valve repair.

Disturbances of the ascending aorta biomechanics in dilatation and aneurysm: 2D speckle-tracking transoesophageal echocardiographic assessment

Disturbances of the ascending aorta biomechanics in dilatation and aneurysm: 2D speckle-tracking transoesophageal echocardiographic assessment

Evaluation of Intraoperative Saline Injection Leak Test Without Transesophageal Echocardiography as a Reliable Method During Heart Valve Repair

Background: Valvular heart diseases (VHD) pose a significant global health challenge, leading to numerous cardiac surgeries. The quality of valve repair is typically assessed using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and saline injection tests intraoperatively. However, TEE is not universally available, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of saline injection tests as the sole method for assessing cardiac valve repair quality. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery without intraoperative TEE assessment. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed on all patients. A consistent team performed all valve repairs, and the quality of these repairs was assessed intraoperatively using the saline injection test. Postoperative TTE was also conducted to evaluate valve function and compare it with preoperative measurements. Results: The study comprised 16 patients (mean age: 63.8 ± 10.6), predominantly male. Mitral valve (MV) repair was performed on 11 patients, with nine showing improved function (P-value: 0.006). Seven patients underwent tricuspid valve repair (TVr), all of whom exhibited improved function (P-value: 0.01). Four patients received aortic valve repair, with three showing improved function (P-value: 0.10). Additionally, significant improvements were observed in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), inter-ventricular septal diameter, posterior wall thickness (PWT), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular peak systolic myocardial velocity (RVSm), pulmonary artery pressure, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) gradient, and right atrium area. Conclusions: The saline injection test can be a valuable tool for assessing the quality of mitral and tricuspid valve repairs, particularly when TEE is unavailable. However, its reliability for aortic valve repair remains uncertain.

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment of Single Ventricle Physiology with Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava in a Case of Heterotaxy Syndrome Posted for Kawashima Procedure and Hepatic Vein Rerouting

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is essential in delineating the anatomy, physiology, and perioperative management of single ventricle (SV) lesions. SV lesion is commonly associated with heterotaxy syndrome causing abnormal lateralization of organs across the body’s left-right axis. It is manifested as right atrial or left atrial isomerism. Patients with SV physiology require the Glenn procedure for surgical palliation whereas Fontan operation as definitive intervention. However, in a patient with interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC), the Kawashima procedure is used for definitive palliation. We report a 15-year-old female child diagnosed with SV physiology and interrupted IVC in association with heterotaxy syndrome posted for the Kawashima procedure and hepatic vein rerouting and illustrate the importance of perioperative TEE in delineating the anatomy, decision-making, and confirming the success of repair.

Two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic assessment and successful occlusion of a window-like patent ductus arteriosus in two dogs

A 16-month-old Labrador-Poodle cross (case 1) and a 3-month-old German shorthaired pointer (case 2) were referred for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion. Two-dimensional transthoracic and two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography revealed a window-like PDA characterized by a wide and short ductus. Due to the atypical PDA morphology with no ampulla in case 1, ductal occlusion was attempted with non-canine-specific Amplatzer occluder devices. However, these were too small and failed to remain stable. Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) devices were used with success in both cases. Due to the defects' morphology, the proximal ACDO disc protruded into the aorta but there were no signs of obstruction to aortic blood flow 16 months (case 1) and 1 month (case 2) post-occlusion. We describe two cases of a window-like type PDA that were successfully occluded with an ACDO.

A novel hemodynamic index characterizing mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge to edge repair: the mitral pulse pressure fraction

Abstract Objectives Our study sought to investigate the role of invasive hemodynamic monitoring during Transcatheter Edge to Edge Repair (TEER) procedure on top of transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance. Background Direct hemodynamic impact of residual MR after TEER is not always univocally measured by TEE assessment alone. When analyzing TEER procedure result operators often encounter discrepancy between TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Methods We analyzed 78 patients with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who underwent TEER. Mitral pulse Pressure Fraction (MPF) was extracted from intraprocedural continuous left atrial pressure monitoring. 23 patients with the same grade of MR not undergoing TEER were included as a control group. Results TEER had a significant impact reducing MR burden on both TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Post-TEER MPF was significantly reduced compared to both pre-TEER setting (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and control group (p = 0.004). MR reduction assessed by TEE guidance was not found to be correlated with improved clinical and functional status at follow-up as assessed by New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (p = 0.424) and 12-items Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) (p = 0.1). On the contrary, a greater reduction in MPF was associated with a significant amelioration of both NYHA classification (p = 0.003) and 12-items KCCQ (p&amp;lt;0.001) during the follow-up period. Conclusions MPF provides an immediate estimate of the real hemodynamic impact of MR and can offer a prompt prediction of the functional improvement after TEER.

Utility of transesophageal echocardiography during orthotopic liver transplantation: A narrative review.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the standard of care for patients suffering from end stage liver disease (ESLD). This is a high-risk procedure with the potential for hemorrhage, large shifts in preload and afterload, and release of vasoactive mediators that can have profound effects on hemodynamic equilibrium. In addition, patients with ESLD can have preexisting coronary artery disease, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, porto-pulomary hypertension and imbalanced coagulation. As cardiovascular involvement is invariable and patient are at an appreciable risk of intraoperative cardiac arrest, Trans esophageal echocardiography (TEE) is increasingly becoming a routinely utilized monitor during OLT in patients without contraindications to its use. A comprehensive TEE assessment performed by trained operators provides a wealth of information on baseline cardiac function, while a focused study specific for the ESLD patients can help in prompt diagnosis and treatment of critical events. Future studies utilizing TEE will eventually optimize examination safety, quality, permit patient risk stratification, provide intraoperative guidance, and allow for evaluation of graft vasculature.

Superiority of 3D transesophageal echocardiography in assessment of mechanical prosthetic valve dysfunction as compared to 2D transesophageal echocardiography

Superiority of 3D transesophageal echocardiography in assessment of mechanical prosthetic valve dysfunction as compared to 2D transesophageal echocardiography

Global circumference strain of the thoracic aorta as a new surrogate marker of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis: 2D speckle-tracking transoesophageal echocardiographic assessment

Global circumference strain of the thoracic aorta as a new surrogate marker of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis: 2D speckle-tracking transoesophageal echocardiographic assessment

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for preprocedural planning of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure.

Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) facilitates stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Optimal device selection and positioning are often challenging due to highly variable LAA shape and dimension and thus require accurate assessment of the respective anatomy. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and x-ray fluoroscopy (XR) represent the gold standard imaging techniques. However, device underestimation has frequently been observed. Assessment based on 3-dimensional computer tomography (CTA) has been reported as more accurate but increases radiation and contrast agent burden. In this study, the use of non-contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to support preprocedural planning for LAA closure (LAAc) was investigated. CMR was performed in thirteen patients prior to LAAc. Based on the 3-dimensional CMR image data, the dimensions of the LAA were quantified and optimal C-arm angulations were determined and compared to periprocedural data. Quantitative figures used for evaluation of the technique comprised the maximum diameter, the diameter derived from perimeter and the area of the landing zone of the LAA. Perimeter- and area-based diameters derived from preprocedural CMR showed excellent congruency compared to those measured periprocedurally by XR, whereas the respective maximum diameter resulted in significant overestimation (p < 0.05). Compared to TEE assessment, CMR-derived diameters resulted in significantly larger dimensions (p < 0.05). The deviation of the maximum diameter to the diameters measured by XR and TEE correlated well with the ovality of the LAA. C-arm angulations used during the procedures were in agreement with those determined by CMR in case of circular LAA. This small pilot study demonstrates the potential of non-contrast-enhanced CMR to support preprocedural planning of LAAc. Diameter measurements based on LAA area and perimeter correlated well with the actual device selection parameters. CMR-derived determination of landing zones facilitated accurate C-arm angulation for optimal device positioning.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Transesophageal Echocardiographic Commissural-Biplane Approach in Identifying Mitral Valve Anatomy

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) conventional multiplane approach (MPA) and the newly proposed commissural-biplane approach (CBA) are the recommended algorithms for identifying the affected mitral valve (MV) segments in the setting of mitral regurgitation. To date, there are no reports to address the diagnostic performance of CBA. In this study we aim to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of CBA and MPA in comparison with three-dimensional echocardiographic findings in patients with severe mitral regurgitation. We prospectively enrolled 102 patients with severe mitral regurgitation. All patients underwent systematic TEE assessment of MV before surgical intervention to define the affected MV segments/scallops. The standard MPA includes 4-chamber, 2-chamber, long-axis, and commissural views; CBA was performed by obtaining the bicommissural view and simultaneous biplane imaging of the medial, middle, and lateral MV aspects. The findings of both TEE approaches were compared with three-dimensional TEE data to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MPA and CBA. The mean patient age was (65±11) years, and 37 (36.3%) were female. We found that CBA had an overall diagnostic accuracy between 88% and 97% in identifying the abnormal MV scallops; in contrast, MPA accuracy ranged between 82% and 95%. The CBA and MPA were the least accurate in identifying the P3 scallop-88% and 82% respectively; however, both were the most accurate in assessing the A2 segment-95% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity of identifying commissural abnormalities was 80% with CBA and 30% with MPA. Three-dimensional TEE was found to have a strong agreement with CBA (averaged kappa of 0.81, P<.0001) and a modest agreement with MPA (averaged kappa of 0.61, P<.0001) in identifying abnormal anterior or posterior segments. On the other hand, three-dimensional TEE had a weak agreement with CBA (kappa of 0.43, P<.0001) and no agreement with MPA (kappa of 0.14, P=.153) in the assessment of commissural involvements. The CBA is more accurate than the MPA in the assessment of MV commissural involvement. Given the accuracy differences of the 2 approaches for specific leaflet/scallops, a comprehensive evaluation using both approaches is recommended for all MV scallop assessments.

Correlation between Intraoperative Direct and Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Pressure Gradient in Patients Undergoing Tetralogy of Fallot Repair

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between intraoperative direct (needle) and transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) assessment of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) pressure gradient in patients undergoing Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. Methodology: A total of 100 patients underwent for TOF repair were included. After completion of surgery and successful weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, the TEE derived RVOT gradients were obtained from, the midesophageal ascending aortic short axis (AA Sax) view, upper esophageal aortic arch short axis (Arch Sax) view and trans-gastric RV outflow (TG RV outflow) view. Direct (needle) derived pressures from right ventricular (RV) and pulmonary artery (PA) were obtained by surgeon using a saline filled pressure transducer system. Correlation coefficient was computed between intraoperative direct and TEE assessment of RVOT gradient was evaluated. Results: In the sample of 100 patients, 41% were females and median age was 8 [5-11] years. The TEE derived RVOT gradients obtained in AA Sax, Arch Sax and TG RV outflow view were 26.46±6.98, 26.60±6.55, and 22.64±6.21 mmHg, respectively. Intraoperative RVOT pressure gradient was 19.05±8.9 mmHg. The correlation between intraoperative direct (needle) and TEE assessment of RVOT pressure gradient obtained in AA Sax, Arch Sax, and TG RV outflow view were 0.588 (p&lt;0.001), 0.283 (p&lt;0.001), and 0.383 (p&lt;0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Intraoperative TEE assessment of RVOT pressure gradient showed a moderate correlation with the direct (needle) assessment. The ascending aorta short axis view was found to be the superior esophageal view.

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment in Patients with Severe Respiratory Distress due to COVID-19 in the Prone Position: A Feasibility Study.

Our aim was to assess the feasibility, safety, and utility of implementing transesophageal echocardiographic screening in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) and in prone position (PP). Prospective observational study performed in an intensive care unit; patients 18 years, with ARDS, invasive MV, in PP were included. A total of 87 patients were included. There was no need to change ventilator settings, hemodynamic support, or any difficulties with the insertion of the ultrasonographic probe. Mean duration of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was 20 minutes. No displacement of the orotracheal tube, vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding was observed. Frequent complication was displacement of the nasogastric tube in 41 (47%) patients. Severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was detected in 21 (24%) patients and acute cor pulmonale was diagnosed in 36 (41%) patients. Our results show the importance of assessing RV function during the course of severe respiratory distress and the value of TEE for hemodynamic assessment in PP. Sosa FA, Wehit J, Merlo P, Matarrese A, Tort B, Roberti JE, et al. Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment in Patients with Severe Respiratory Distress due to COVID-19 in the Prone Position: A Feasibility Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(2):132-134.

Added value of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in assessment of prosthetic mitral paravalvular leaks.

Added value of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in assessment of prosthetic mitral paravalvular leaks.

Multimodality Echocardiographic Imaging for a Novel Transcatheter Native Mitral Valve Replacement Procedure

ABSTRACT Transcatheter native mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a novel procedure that has the potential to overcome some of the current limitations associated with the transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve (MV) repair technique. The aim of this study was to describe the key steps in periprocedural echocardiographic guidance of TMVR with the Tendyne system, emphasizing potential caveats and areas of difficulty. The imaging pathway can be schematized in four fundamental steps: baseline evaluation of mitral regurgitation (MR), preprocedural screening and planning, intraprocedural guidance, and follow-up. Baseline evaluation of MR in TMVR includes the guidelines-recommended imaging pathway of MR assessment. A dedicated preprocedure cardiac multimodality imaging screening and planning for TMVR is able to determine patient eligibility according to the anatomic characteristics and measurements, provide information for appropriate valve sizing, and detect features that can predispose to potential hazard or complications. Cardiac computed tomography and two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are the main actors in this phase. The road map for intraprocedural TMVR guidance includes the following: (1) apical access assessment: 2D TEE assessment of the site for optimal left ventricular apical access as planned by the preprocedural computed tomography; (2) support for catheter and sheath localization, trajectory, and positioning; and (3) valve positioning and radial orientation. Thereafter, the prosthesis is withdrawn toward the left ventricle and deployed intra-annularly. Post-deployment includes assessment for correct clocking and hemodynamics, perivalvular leakage, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Two-dimensional and 3D TEE and fluoroscopy provide intraprocedural guidance. The follow-up of the Tendyne device includes the guidelines-recommended imaging pathway of bioprosthesis. Knowledge of multimodality imaging use is key for the interventional imagers and crucial in the success of the procedure.

Utility of 3D Echocardiography for Device Sizing During Transcatheter ASD Closure: A Comparative Study.

Two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly used for assessing patients undergoing transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure. 3D TEE, albeit providing high resolution en-face images of ASD, is used in only a fraction of cases. We aimed to perform a comparative analysis between 3D and 2D TEE assessment for ASD device planning. This was a prospective, observational study conducted over a period of one year. Patients deemed suitable for device closure underwent 2D and 3D TEE at baseline. Defect characteristics, assessed separately in both modalities, were compared. Using regression analysis, we aimed to derive an equation for predicting device size using 3D TEE parameters. Thirty patients were included in the study, majority being females (83%). The mean age of the study population was 40.5 ± 12.05 years. Chest pain, dyspnea and palpitations were the common presenting complaints. All patients had suitable rims on 2D TEE. A good agreement was noted between 2D and 3D TEE for measured ASD diameters. 3D TEE showed that majority of defects were circular in shape (60%). The final device size used had high degree of correlation with 3D defect area and circumference. An equation was devised to predict device size using 3D defect area and circumference. The mean device size obtained from the equation was similar to the actual device size used in the study population (p = 0.31). Device sizing based on 3D TEE parameters alone is equally effective for transcatheter ASD closure as compared to 2D TEE.

Reverse Takotsubo Stress Cardiomyopathy During Liver Transplantation

Reverse Takotsubo Stress Cardiomyopathy During Liver Transplantation