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Intraoperative Echocardiography: Guide to Decision-Making

  • Echocardiography (JM Gardin and AH Waller, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to provide a concise overview of key recommendations, with a specific focus on common challenges faced by intraoperative echocardiographers when dealing with frequently encountered valvular pathologies and mechanical circulatory support. It offers valuable insights for medical practitioners in this field.

Recent Findings

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) have released updated comprehensive guidelines for the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the assessment of cardiac structures and implanted devices to help guide intraoperative decision-making.

Summary

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a regularly employed intraoperative diagnostic and monitoring tool, offering various modalities for the rapid evaluation of valvular and aortic pathology, hemodynamic disturbances, and cardiac function. It is particularly valuable in assessing and placing mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, providing views often challenging to obtain through transthoracic echocardiography. Additionally, intraoperative TEE can be used for decision-making in patients with valvular disease allowing incorporation of patient-specific and situational factors. Echocardiographers can employ this information in real-time to help guide surgical treatment selection such as repair, replacement, or deferral of intervention.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Natalia Cesky for her scientific illustrations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Road, HAFS 5670, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Michael Cutrone, Sarah Cotter, Madhav Swaminathan & Sharon McCartney

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  1. Michael Cutrone
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  2. Sarah Cotter
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  3. Madhav Swaminathan
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  4. Sharon McCartney
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Contributions

All Authors contributed to the writing and preparation of the main manuscript text and figures.

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Correspondence to Michael Cutrone.

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Cutrone, M., Cotter, S., Swaminathan, M. et al. Intraoperative Echocardiography: Guide to Decision-Making. Curr Cardiol Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-024-02054-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-024-02054-1

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