Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2007
Comparative StudyAn intraoperative assessment of the ascending aorta: a comparison of digital palpation, transesophageal echocardiography, and epiaortic ultrasonography.
There are a number of techniques available to assess the aorta for atheromatous disease in the intraoperative period. This study compared the relationship among the findings of digital palpation (DP), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and epiaortic ultrasound (EAU) in the detection of atheroma in the ascending aorta. ⋯ Assuming EAU as the "gold standard" to detect atheroma, this study has shown that when assessing the ascending aorta neither DP nor TEE appear sensitive. This study supports the proposal that detection of atheroma should be performed by EAU.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Dec 2007
The effect of routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography on surgical management.
To assess the effects of routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on surgical management of patients undergoing all types of cardiac surgery. ⋯ The routine use of TEE during cardiac surgery revealed new cardiac pathology in 1 of every 3 patients and led to altered surgical management in 1 of every 4 patients. TEE information also influenced decisions regarding use/nonuse of CPB in 3% of patients. Thus, the authors suggest that intraoperative TEE should be used routinely in all patients undergoing cardiac surgery.