APPLICATIONS OF TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN ANESTHESIA

Abstract

Background: Echocardiography – the use of ultrasound to examine the heart- is a safe, powerful, non-invasive and painless technique. The introduction of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has provided a new acoustic window to the heart and mediastinum. Superior quality images of most cardiovascular structures can be obtained readily with an ultrasound probe in the esophagus. TEE has revolutionized cardiac anaesthesia and has become increasingly popular during certain noncardiac surgical procedures as well. Aim of the Essay: The aim of the work is to clarify the transesophageal echocardiography technique, principles and applications in anesthesia of cardiac and noncardiac surgeries. Methodology: The TEE transducer is mounted on the tip of a gastroscope housing. The tip of the probe is flexible. There are two control wheels on the proximal handle. One wheel controls anterior and posterior movement (anteflexion and retroflexion) while other wheel controls side-to-side movements (lateral flexion). Results: One electronic switch is available to scan the heart in various axial views and can visualize the heart in 0 to 180 degrees. Various echocardiographic windows are possible because of the ability to advance and withdraw the probe and to rotate it in combination with ante flexion and retro-flexion of probe tip. Conclusion: These guidelines were formally published in 1999, and include a set of 20 cross-sectional views of the heart and great vessels. With the development of technology and expansion of indications for TEE, the views necessary to perform a comprehensive examination have expanded. Additional eight views have been added to the prior comprehensive transesophageal echocardiographic images to include multiple long axis and short axis views of all four valves, all four cardiac chambers and the great vessels