• E Sloth, J Pedersen, K H Olsen, M Wanscher, O K Hansen, and K E Sørensen.
• Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. skejes@aau.dk
• Paediatr Anaesth. 2001 Nov 1; 11 (6): 657-62.

BackgroundWe hypothesized that transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) performed by the anaesthesiologists would be beneficial for monitoring purposes during paediatric cardiac surgery. We present the results for the first 5 years in 532 consecutive children.MethodsThe probe was successfully inserted in 99% of cases and remained in the oesophagus for 211 min on average (range 10-555 min).ResultsInsignificant valve leak, single- or biventricular failure and volume depletion were the most common new findings due to TOE. Changes in inotropic strategy and volume replacement were the most frequent interventions. In 45% of the cases, new information was disclosed and, in a total of 8% of cases, decisive information was provided. Except for tracheal extubation in one child who was uneventfully reintubated, no severe complications were identified.ConclusionsThese data stress the safety and ease of performing TOE in children undergoing cardiac surgery. There is evidence for benefit from TOE findings to potentially enhance the therapeutic basis.

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