Videolaryngoscope versus conventional technique for insertion of a transesophageal echocardiography probe in intubated ICU patients (VIDLARECO trial): A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion in intubated critically ill patients can be difficult, leading to complications, such as gastric bleeding or lesions in the oropharyngeal mucosa. We hypothesised that the use of a videolaryngoscope would facilitate the first attempt at insertion of the transesophageal echocardiogram probe and would decrease the incidence of complications compared to the conventional insertion technique.

METHODS

In this clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned the insertion of a transesophageal echocardiogram probe using a videolaryngoscope or conventional technique. The primary outcome was the successful transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion on the first attempt. The secondary outcomes included total success rate, number of insertion attempts, and incidence of pharyngeal complications.

RESULTS

A total of 100 intubated critically ill patients were enrolled. The success rate of transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion on the first attempt was higher in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (90% vs. 58%; absolute difference, 32%; 95% CI 16%-48%; p < 0.001). The overall success rate was higher in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (100% vs. 72%; absolute difference, 28%; 95% CI 16%-40%; p < 0.001). The incidence of pharyngeal mucosal injury was smaller in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (14% vs. 52%; absolute difference, 38%; 95% CI 21%-55%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that in intubated critically ill patients required transesophageal echocardiogram, the use of videolaryngoscope resulted in higher successful insertion on the first attempt with lower rate of complications when compared with the conventional insertion technique.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04980976.

Atrial septum anatomy as a predictor of ischemic neurological episodes in patients with a patent foramen ovale

BACKGROUND

The correlation between atrial septum anatomy and the risk of ischemic neurological events remains underexplored.

AIMS

This study aimed to examine both the functional and anatomical attributes of the atrial septum and identify predictors of stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients diagnosed with patent foramen ovale (PFO).

METHODS

A total of 155 patients diagnosed with PFO, with a cardiological cause of neurological events, were enrolled. Transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to assess the anatomy of the PFO canal, size of the right-to-left shunt, thickness of the primary and secondary atrial septum, presence of atrial septum aneurysm, and anatomical structures of the right atrium.

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed that factors such as female sex, hypercholesterolemia, PFO canal width, and a large right-to-left shunt were significantly associated with stroke and/or TIA. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the width of the PFO canal holds a relatively weak, although significant predictive, value for ischemic neurological episodes (area under the curve = 0.7; P = 0.002). A PFO canal width of 4 mm was associated with 70% sensitivity and 55% specificity for predicting stroke and/or TIA.

CONCLUSIONS

The atrial septum's anatomy, especially the dimensions of the PFO canal and the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt, combined with specific demographic and clinical factors, are linked to ischemic neurological incidents in PFO patients.

Residual leaks following percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion and outcomes: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Residual leaks are not infrequent after left atrial appendage occlusion. However, there is still uncertainty regarding their prognostic implications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of residual leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted until 19 February 2023. Residual leaks comprised peri-device leaks (PDLs) on transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or computed tomography (CT), as well as left atrial appendage patency on CT. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to assess the clinical impact of residual leaks.

RESULTS

Overall 48 eligible studies (44 non-randomized/observational and 4 randomized studies) including 61 666 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion were analysed. Peri-device leak by TEE was present in 26.1% of patients. Computed tomography-based left atrial appendage patency and PDL were present in 54.9% and 57.3% of patients, respectively. Transoesophageal echocardiography-based PDL (i.e. any reported PDL regardless of its size) was significantly associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism [pooled odds ratio (pOR) 2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52-2.74], all-cause mortality (pOR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.24), and major bleeding (pOR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.22), compared with no reported PDL. A positive graded association between PDL size and risk of thromboembolism was noted across TEE cut-offs. For any PDL of >0, >1, >3, and >5 mm, the pORs for thromboembolism were 1.82 (95% CI: 1.35-2.47), 2.13 (95% CI: 1.04-4.35), 4.14 (95% CI: 2.07-8.27), and 4.44 (95% CI: 2.09-9.43), respectively, compared with either no PDL or PDL smaller than each cut-off. Neither left atrial appendage patency, nor PDL by CT was associated with thromboembolism (pOR 1.45 and 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84-2.50 and 0.52-2.07, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Peri-device leak detected by TEE was associated with adverse events, primarily thromboembolism. Residual leaks detected by CT were more frequent but lacked prognostic significance.

A preliminary study of minimal left atrial appendage occlusion using Watchman under the guidance of fluoroscopy

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been considered an alternative treatment to prevent embolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it carries a risk of general anesthesia or esophageal injury if guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

AIMS

We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of minimal LAAO (MLAAO) using Watchman under fluoroscopy guidance alone in patients with NVAF.

METHODS

A total of 249 consecutive patients with NVAF who underwent LAAO using the WATCHMAN device were divided into two groups: the Standard LAAO (SLAAO) group and the MLAAO group. Procedural characteristics and follow-up results were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of successful device implantation (p > 0.05). Fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure dose, and contrast medium usage in the MLAAO group were higher than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The procedure time and hospitalization duration were significantly lower in the MLAAO group than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The occluder compression ratio, measured with fluoroscopy, was lower than that measured with TEE (17.63 ± 3.75% vs. 21.69 ± 4.26%, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between the SLAAO group and the MLAAO group (p < 0.05) in terms of oropharyngeal/esophageal injury, hypotension, and dysphagia. At 3 months after LAAO, the MLAAO group had a higher incidence of residual flow within 1-5 mm compared to the SLAAO group, although the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

MLAAO guided by fluoroscopy, instead of TEE, without general anesthesia simplifies the operational process and may be considered safe, effective, and feasible, especially for individuals who are unable to tolerate or unwilling to undergo TEE or general anesthesia.

Medical Malpractice Claims Related to Performance of Transesophageal Echocardiography by Anesthesiologists

More than 300,000 adults have cardiac surgery in the United States annually, and most undergo intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This patient population is often older with multiple comorbidities, increasing their risk for complications for even routine procedures. Major morbidity or mortality caused by TEE is rare, and it is unknown how often such complications lead to malpractice lawsuits. The authors identified 13 cases out of 2,564 in a closed claims database that involved TEE and reviewed their etiology. Esophageal injury accounted for most of the suits, and only 2 were related to diagnosis. Most expert reviews deemed the care provided by the anesthesiologist to be appropriate.

Midterm follow-up after computed tomography angiography planned left atrial appendage closure

BACKGROUND

While studies have shown the advantages of computed tomography angiography (CTA) over transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) preprocedural planning for WATCHMAN™ legacy and FLX devices, there has been no reported long-term data for this approach.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes using CTA-based preprocedural planning for LAAC using the WATCHMAN™ device.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of 231 consecutive patients who underwent LAAC in a single, large academic hospital in the United States was conducted over a 5-year period. CTA-guided preprocedural planning was performed in all. Procedural success, adverse events, length of procedure, number of devices used, and length of stay were evaluated. Rates of death, cerebral embolism, systemic embolism, and major and minor bleeding were recorded. Adjusted predicted stroke and major bleeding rates were derived from CHA2DS2-Vasc and HAS-BLED scores, respectively.

RESULTS

From January 26, 2017, to November 23, 2021, 231 patients underwent LAAC with CTA preprocedural planning by two operating physicians. The mean age of patients was 76.5 ± 8.4. 59.7% of patients were male. Mean CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.5 ± 1.4 and 3.9 ± 0.9, respectively. All procedures were performed with intracardiac echo (100%). The procedural success rate was 99.1%. The CTA sizing strategy accurately predicted the implant size in 93.5% of patients. Mean number of devices used was 1.10 ± 0.3. Peri-procedural complication rate was 2.2%. 6 patients were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 608.94 days with a total of 377.04 patient years. Median follow-up period of 368 days (interquartile range: 209-1067 days). There were 51 deaths from all causes (13.52 per 100 patient-years), 10 cases of cerebral embolism (2.65 per 100 patient-years), 2 cases of systemic embolism (0.53 per 100 patient-years), 17 cases of major bleeding (4.50 per 100 patient-years), and 31 cases of minor bleeding (8.2 per 100 patient-years). All-cause mortality at 1, 2, and 3 years was 12.7%, 20.9%, and 29.2%, respectively. CV event rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 2.1%, 6.6%, and 10.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CTA-based preprocedural planning is accurate in predicting device size for LAAC and associated with excellent clinical outcomes at 5 years.

Left atrial appendage flow velocity predicts occult atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke: a CRYPTON-ICM registry

BACKGROUND

An insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are useful for investigating potential embolic sources in cryptogenic stroke, of which atrial fibrillation (AF) is a critical risk factor for stroke recurrence. The association of left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAA-FV) on TEE with ICM-detected AF is yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

CRYPTON-ICM (CRYPTOgenic stroke evaluation in Nippon using ICM) is a multicenter registry of cryptogenic stroke with ICM implantation, and patients whose LAA-FV was evaluated on TEE were enrolled. The primary outcome was the detection of AF (> 2 min) on ICM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off of LAA-FV, and factors associated with ICM-detected AF were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 307 patients (age 66.6 ± 12.3 years; 199 males) with median follow-up of 440 (interquartile range 169-726) days were enrolled; AF was detected in 101 patients. The lower-tertile LAA-FV group had older age, more history of congestive heart failure, and higher levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal proBNP (all P < 0.05). On ROC analysis, LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s predicted ICM-detected AF with sensitivity of 26.7% and specificity of 92.2%. After adjustment for covariates, the lower tertile of LAA-FV (hazard ratio [HR], 1.753 [1.017-3.021], P = 0.043) and LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s (HR 1.987 [1.240-3.184], P = 0.004) predicted ICM-detected AF.

CONCLUSIONS

LAA-FV < 37.5 cm/s predicts AF. TEE is useful not only to evaluate potential embolic sources, but also for long-term detection of AF on ICM by measuring LAA-FV in cryptogenic stroke. http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ (UMIN000044366).

Predictive value of nutritional indices for left atrial thrombus in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) are well known indicators for adverse outcomes in various diseases, but there is no evidence on their association with the risk of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF).

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 433 VAF patients. Demographics, clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were collected and analyzed. Patients were grouped by the presence of LAT detected by transesophageal echocardiography.

RESULTS

LAT were identified in 142 patients (32.79%). The restricted cubic splines showed an L-shaped relationship between PNI and LAT. The dose-response curve flattened out near the horizontal line with OR = 1 at the level of 49.63, indicating the risk of LAT did not decrease if PNI was greater than 49.63. GNRI was negative with the risk of LAT and tended to be protective when greater than 106.78. The best cut-off values of PNI and GNRI calculated by receiver operating characteristics curve to predict LAT were 46.4 (area under these curve [AUC]: 0.600, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.541-0.658, P = 0.001) and 105.7 (AUC: 0.629, 95% CI:0.574-0.684, P<0.001), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that PNI ≤ 46.4 (odds ratio: 2.457, 95% CI:1.333-4.526, P = 0.004) and GNRI ≤ 105.7 (odds ratio: 2.113, 95% CI:1.076-4.149, P = 0.030) were independent predictors of LAT, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower nutritional indices (GNRI and PNI) were associated with increased risk for LAT in patients with VAF.

Iatrogenic Injury During Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography: Implications for Medical Equipment Storage

BACKGROUND

Medical equipment failure is an underappreciated source of iatrogenesis. The authors report a successful root cause analysis and action (RCA2) to improve compliance and decrease risks to patients during cardiac anesthesia care.

METHODS

A quality and safety team of five content experts performed an RCA2 after an iatrogenic injury with transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe insertion. The team used a fishbone diagram to identify causes and performed a Gemba walk to discuss probability of the different causes with key stakeholders. The team reviewed hospital policies and procedures as well as manufacturer manuals regarding best practices for maintenance and storage of TEE probes. The team created a corrective action plan centered on purchasing larger TEE storage cabinets, education of those who handle TEE probes, and implementing standard operating procedures. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by analyzing frequency of TEE probe maintenance.

RESULTS

The study period ranged from July 2016 to June 2021. TEE probes required maintenance 51 times, of which 40 (78.4%) occurred prior to the larger storage cabinet purchase, and 11 (21.6%) afterward. The number of TEE probes requiring maintenance per quarter was 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 2.5) during the preintervention period and 1.0 (SD 1.0) during the postintervention period (mean difference 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.0-5.9, p = 0.0006).

CONCLUSION

An extensive RCA2 resulting in a corrective action plan centered on compliance with manufacturer recommendations for storage of TEE probes resulted in fewer maintenance requests, which decreased the risk of iatrogenic patient injury from TEE probe failure during cardiac anesthesia care.

Orthodeoxia Platypnea Syndrome in the Setting of Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare cause of positional hypoxemia and dyspnea. We present the case of a 54-year-old man with right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale in the setting of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma resulting in platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. The shunt was originally not visualized on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging but later detected with transesophageal echocardiography. This case highlights the importance of complimentary multimodality cardiac imaging in the diagnosis of both common and uncommon disorders.

Hypotensive patient with superior vena cava obstruction diagnosed using resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a malignancy-related emergency. It is caused by obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava (SVC) secondary to intraluminal thrombosis, external compression, or direct invasion of tumor.

CASE SUMMARY

A 49-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. He was intubated and treated as pneumonia. Post-intubation, he became hypotensive, requiring fluid resuscitation and inotropic support. Resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed external compression by a lung mass and an intraluminal thrombus causing SVC obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed, and it confirmed the TEE findings. A provisional diagnosis of lung carcinoma was made, and he underwent endovascular therapy for rapid symptomatic relief.

DISCUSSION

This case report highlights the role of resuscitative TEE in evaluating a hypotensive patient with clinical suspicion of SVCS at the emergency department. TEE performed at the bedside could help to diagnose and demonstrate the pathology causing SVCS in this case. TEE allowed high-quality image acquisition and was able to overcome the limitation of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). TEE should be considered as an alternative ED imaging modality in the management of SVCS.

LEARNING POINTS

Intracardiac echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage occlusion: The path to independence

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been the standard method for guiding left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures. Recently, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has emerged as an alternative to TEE due to several advantages, particularly the avoidance of general anesthesia. This analysis aims to assess the safety, feasibility and efficacy of ICE-guided LAAO procedures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of ICE-guided LAAO procedures, including a comparison of embolic and bleeding events with the predicted standard scores and a comparison with TEE-guided procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients underwent echocardiography-guided percutaneous LAAO (43 patients with TEE and 45 with ICE), mean age 74.9 years, 68.2% male. In the ICE-guided population, the technical success rate was 93% and the major complication rate was 8.8%. During follow-up, yearly stroke and major bleeding rates were 1.4% and 8.4%, respectively, compared to the 4.0% and 8.7% predicted by the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. In the TEE versus ICE analysis (similar baseline characteristics), no statistically significant differences were seen regarding technical success (95.3% vs. 93.3%), procedure-related complications (14.0% vs. 8.9%), device thrombus (2.3% vs. 0%), residual minor peridevice leaks (14.0% vs. 24.4%), one-year all-cause mortality (9.3% vs. 4.4%), stroke (9.3% vs. 2.2%) or major bleeding events (9.3% vs. 11.1%).

CONCLUSION

ICE-guided LAAO was a safe and effective therapeutic strategy in a high embolic and bleeding risk population, compared to the event rates predicted by the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. The ICE-guided procedure compared well to TEE-guided procedures regarding procedure feasibility, safety, and efficacy.

Gastrointestinal Complications After Transesophageal Echocardiography for Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: Insights From a Large Contemporary Cohort

OBJECTIVES

Transesophageal echocardiography-related complications (TEE-RC) are higher in structural heart interventions than in traditional operative settings. In mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MV-TEER), the incidence of TEE-RC may be higher than in other structural interventions. However, existing reports are limited and robust data evaluating TEE safety in this patient population are lacking. The authors sought to describe the incidence and risk factors of upper gastrointestinal injuries after TEE in patients undergoing MV-TEER.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational study.

SETTING

A single tertiary academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 442 consecutive patients who underwent MV-TEER, specifically with MitraClip, between December 2015 and March 2022.

INTERVENTIONS

Transesophageal echocardiography was performed intraoperatively to guide all MV-TEERs.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The study's primary goal was to investigate an association between TEE procedure duration and TEE-RC risk. The contribution of demographic risk factors and intraprocedural characteristics also was investigated. Transesophageal echocardiography-RCs were observed in 17 out of 442 patients (3.8%). Dysphagia was the most common TEE-RC (n = 9/17, 53%), followed by new gastroesophageal reflux (n = 6/17, 35%) and odynophagia (n = 3/17, 18%). There were no esophageal perforations or upper gastrointestinal bleeds. History of dysphagia was the only variable associated with TEE-RCs (p = 0.008; n = 9 [2.1%] v n = 3 [18%]), with a relative risk of 8.67 (95% CI 2.57, 29.16). The TEE procedure duration was not statistically different between the 2 groups (46 minutes [39-64] in TEE-RCs v 49 minutes [36-77] in no complications).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing MV-TEER, TEE-RCs are uncommon, and major complications are rare. The authors' outcomes reflect those of a high-volume referral center with TEEs performed by cardiac anesthesiologists.

Risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale: The role of D-dimer

BACKGROUND

Paradoxical embolism under elevated thromboembolic conditions is known to be the primary mechanism of patent foramen ovale (PFO)-related stroke. We hypothesized that higher levels of D-dimer, a marker of thromboembolism, could increase the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with PFO.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 1226 consecutive patients with acute ischemic cryptogenic stroke (CS) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). D-dimer was assessed during admission. We used a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the association of long-term outcomes between the presence of PFO and levels of D-dimer.

RESULTS

Of the 1226 patients, the study included 461 who underwent TEE. Among them, 242 (52.5%) had PFOs. Among PFO patients, those with a D-dimer level >1.0 mg/L had a significantly higher risk of stroke recurrence compared to those with <0.5mg/L (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 4.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63-10.02). A pattern of increased risk of event with increasing D-dimer levels was observed (Ptrend=0.008). However, there was no significant difference in the risk of stroke recurrence at any D-dimer level compared to D-dimer level <0.5 mg/L among patients without PFO. In these patients, there was little evidence of increased risk with increasing D-dimer levels (Ptrend=0.570).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the elevated D-dimer level increased the recurrence of stroke in CS patients with PFO, particularly showing a dose-dependent relationship between D-dimer levels and recurrence. However, no such effect was observed in patients without PFO. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of anticoagulation for strokes related to PFO.

Multimodality imaging of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) requires multimodality imaging. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) remains the first-line imaging modality to diagnose HCM identifying morphology and obstruction, which includes left ventricular outflow obstruction, midcavitary obstruction and systolic anterior motion. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can adjudicate equivocal cases, rule out alternative diagnoses and evaluate for risk factors of sudden cardiac death. Imaging with TTE or transesophageal echocardiogram can also guide alcohol septal ablation or surgical myectomy respectively. Furthermore, TTE can guide medical management of these patients by following peak gradients. Thus, multimodality imaging in HCM is crucial throughout the course of these patients' care.

New Perspective on Pathophysiology and Management of Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) occurs as a result of global or segmental left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or left atrial dilatation, leading to mitral annular dilatation, papillary muscle displacement, mitral valve (MV) leaflet tethering, and leaflet remodeling. The prevalence of FMR continues to rise in the United States. Even mild FMR is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality used to assess the type and severity of mitral regurgitation. FMR treatment depends on the etiology. Evidence-based pharmacologic and cardiac resynchronization therapies for underlying LV dysfunction remain the mainstay of treatment. Patients who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy can be considered for surgical or percutaneous MV intervention. This article reviews the pathophysiology, imaging evaluation, and therapeutic options of FMR, highlighting the most recent developments in a rapidly evolving field.

An Unusual Cause of Aortic Regurgitation in a Patient With Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Aortic fibrous strands are considered residual tissue from aortic valve development. Rupture of these strands is an important albeit uncommon cause of aortic regurgitation (AR). The authors describe a 67-year-old man who was admitted to the authors' hospital with sudden onset shortness of breath and diagnosed with severe AR. The patient was scheduled for Bentall surgery. The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) found multiple fibrous strands that were present in multiple locations of the aortic valve, some of which were ruptured. Ruptured fibrous strands are in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute AR without a more conventional explanation, and TEE is instrumental in securing the diagnosis.

Utility of the gastro-laryngeal tube during transesophageal echocardiography: A prospective randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

To validate the utility and performance of the gastro-laryngeal tube (GLT) in terms of cardiologist and patient satisfaction levels, incidence of and attempts at successful transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe placement, perioperative and postoperative hemodynamics, and adverse events related to the TEE procedure.

METHODS

In this randomized prospective clinical study, forty-four patients undergoing TEE and aged 20 to 80 years old scheduled for TEE were randomly allocated to two study groups: Group SA (sedation and analgesia) and Group GLT. Cardiologist and patient satisfaction levels, TEE probe placement performance, hemodynamics, adverse events related to the TEE procedure, demographic characteristics, and TEE procedure data were recorded.

RESULTS

The cardiologist satisfaction level was significantly higher in Group GLT (P = .011). The TEE probe was successfully placed at the first attempt in all the patients in Group GLT and at the first attempt in 11 patients, at the second attempt in 8 patients, and at the third attempt in 3 patients in Group SA. The TEE probe placement success was significantly higher in Group GLT (P < .001), and TEE probe placement was significantly easier in Group GLT (P < .001). There were no significant differences in patient satisfaction, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, adverse events related to the TEE procedure between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that GLT use elicited a higher cardiologist satisfaction level and resulted in more successful and easier TEE probe placement. We thus conclude that the use of the recently developed GLT may ensure airway management safety and a comfortable TEE experience.

Incidence of Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Transesophageal Echocardiography Use in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

The risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) after transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with high grade esophageal varices (EV) that are undergoing Orthotopic Liver transplantation (OLT) is poorly understood. This was a retrospective single-centre cohort study in all patients that underwent OLT at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham between September 2016 and September 2018. The primary outcome was to determine the incidence of UGIB in patients that have undergone OLT with EV that received TEE. 401 patients were included in the study, of which 320 (80%) received TEE. The incidence of post-operative UGIB in patients that received TEE was 1.6% (5/320) in the entire cohort: 2.7% (4/149) in patients with no evidence of EV and 0.6% (1/171) in patients with EV. UGIB occurred in 1 patient with grade 2 EV and did not occur in patients with grade 1 or 3 EV. The incidence of UGIB in patients that received TEE was not statistically different to patients that did not: 1.6% (5/320) vs. 3.7% (3/81) p = 0.218. In conclusion, in patients that underwent OLT, intra-operative TEE use was associated with low rates of UGIB, even in cohorts with high grade EV. This suggests that TEE is a relatively safe method of haemodynamic monitoring in patients undergoing OLT.

Increased Body Mass Index and Risk of Left Atrial Thrombus in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients-Data from the Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) Registry

An increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and a higher risk of thromboembolic complications in AF patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMI on the risk of left atrial thrombi (LATs) in patients with nonvalvular AF/atrial flutter (AFl) (NV AF/AFl). Patients diagnosed with NVAF/AFl (between November 2018 and May 2020) were selected from the multicenter, prospective, observational Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) registry that included AF/AFl patients referred for cardioversion or ablation followed by transesophageal echocardiography. A total of 2816 AF/AFl patients (63.6% males; mean age 65.8 years; mean BMI 29.8 kg/m2) were included in the study. Two hundred and twenty-two of them (7.9%) had LATs. Compared with normal-weight patients, those with BMIs ≥ 25 kg/m2 more frequently presented clinical factors potentially provoking LATs, such as non-paroxysmal AF/AFl (p = 0.04), hypertension (p < 0.001), and diabetes (p < 0.001); had higher CHA2DS2 scores (p < 0.001); and had larger LA dimensions (LA diameter and LA area) (p < 0.001 for both parameters). On the other hand, they showed some features negatively related to thromboembolic risk; for example, they were younger (p < 0.001) and were more often male (p = 0.002). In addition, patients with abnormal BMIs were more likely to be smokers (p = 0.006) and to be treated with oral anticoagulants (p = 0.005). Despite these differences in the prevalence of thromboembolic risk factors, the incidence of LATs was not increased in patients with abnormal body weight (overweight and obese compared to normal-weight patients) in this large real-life cohort of AF/AFl patients. This is probably due to the balanced composition regarding the prevalence of positive and negative thromboembolic risk factors.

Association between transoesophageal echocardiography monitoring indicators and the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury in coronary artery bypass grafting: a study protocol for a prospective multicenter cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies on transoesophageal echocardiography in coronary artery bypass grafting mainly focused on whether to change the surgical plan rather than improve the clinical prognosis. Currently, there are sparse studies on the relationship between transoesophageal echocardiography indicators and the prognosis of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The primary aim of this study is to explore the association between transoesophageal echocardiography monitoring indicators the respiratory variability of inferior vena cava diameter, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and the incidence of acute kidney injury in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We designed this prospective multicenter cohort study, which included approximately 150 adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Different hospitals will be assessed to obtain information on the prevalence, risk factors, management strategies and outcomes in coronary artery bypass surgery. The cohort will be followed after the coronary artery bypass surgery period, up to 30 days after enrolment. The incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury and baseline data will be presented by descriptive statistics. We will use Freidman inspection and multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between transoesophageal echocardiography monitoring indicators and the incidence of acute kidney injury in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the ethics committee of Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, China (approval number: YXLL-KY-2021(067)). This is an observational study that poses no risk to the patients. All participants will obtain informed consent according to the ethics committee before patient enrolment. Funding sources will have no influence on data handling, analyses or writing of the manuscript. The article is planned for submission in an international peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05139108.

Child Neurology: Case Report of Lambl Excrescences in a Pediatric Patient With Multifocal Strokes

Lambl excrescences are fibrinous connective tissue strands found predominantly on left-sided cardiac valves. These valvular strands are typically benign, but have been implicated as a potential etiology of embolic strokes in adult patients. The significance of Lambl excrescences in pediatric stroke cases is unclear and not previously reported in the literature. In this study, we describe a 10-year-old boy who presented with acute-onset right-sided hemiplegia, found to have multifocal embolic strokes of various ages. Extensive stroke workup was unrevealing, aside from the presence of small, filamentous, strand-like densities associated with the mitral and aortic valves noted on a transesophageal echocardiogram consistent with Lambl excrescences. In this case report, we review Lambl excrescences and their significance in acute stroke and management options for the prevention of future ischemia in these patients.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: incidence of variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis undergoing transesophageal echocardiography

BACKGROUND

The presence of esophageal varices is considered a relative contraindication to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) by cardiology professional societies, so gastroenterologists are often consulted to perform upper endoscopy prior to TEE in patients with cirrhosis.

AIM

To perform a systematic review to quantify the risk of bleeding complications in patients with cirrhosis following TEE.

METHODS

Two reviewers searched Ovid MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process and EMBASE databases from January 1992 to May 2021 for studies reporting bleeding complications from TEE in patients with cirrhosis. We calculated the pooled incidence rate of bleeding events using the metaprop command with a random effect model.

RESULTS

We identified 21 studies comprising 4050 unique patients with cirrhosis; 9 studies (n = 3015) assessed the risk of intraoperative TEE during liver transplant (LT) and 12 studies (n = 1035) assessed bleeding risk in patients undergoing TEE for other indications. The pooled incidence of bleeding post-TEE was 0.37% (95% CI 0.04-0.94%) across all studies. Bleeding complications were low among patients undergoing TEE during LT as well as those undergoing TEE for other diagnostic reasons (0.97% vs. 0.004%) and among studies with mean MELD >18 compared to those with mean MELD <18 (0.43% vs. 0.08%). Few studies had a comparator arm, and data on patient-level factors impacting bleeding complications (including degree of liver dysfunction and coagulopathy) were limited across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of bleeding complications following TEE is low in patients with cirrhosis, suggesting TEE is safe and risk stratification with upper endoscopy may not be necessary.

The left atrial appendage thrombosis of in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after the novel coronavirus infection

Aim      To evaluate the incidence and features of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) after novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).Material and methods  Percutaneous echocardiography (pcEchoCG) was performed for 128 patients with persistent AF prepared for cardioversion, 36 (28.1 %) of whom had had COVID-19. In 3 (8.3 %) patients, the lung lesion area was 50-75 %; in 31 (86.1 %) patients, 25-50 %; in 1 (2.8 %) patient, less than 25 %. One patient had no lung lesion. Median time from the onset of COVID-19 to the patient enrollment in the study was 76.5 days. At the time of enrollment, the polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 was negative in all patients.Results Patients after COVID-19 and those who had not had COVID-19 were comparable by age (62.5±9.2 and 62.4±9.1 years, respectively; р=0.956), gender (men 52.8 and 59.8 %, respectively; р=0.471), and risk of stroke (score 2.19±1.28 and score 1.95±1.35, respectively; р=0.350). Duration of the last arrhythmia episode was longer for patients after COVID-19 than for the comparison group (76.5 and 45.0 days, respectively; р=0.011). All patients received oral anticoagulants. 55.6 % of COVID-19 patients received rivaroxaban, whereas 62.0% of patients who had not had COVID-19 were treated with apixaban. Median duration of the anticoagulant treatment was longer for COVID-19 patients than for the comparison group (61.5 and 32.0 days; р=0.051). LAA thrombus was detected in 7 (19.4 %) patients after COVID-19 and in 6 (6.5 %) patients of the comparison group (р=0.030). In COVID-19 patients, the thrombus adhered to LAA wall over the entire thrombus length whereas in patients who had not have COVID-19, the thrombus had a free part that formed a sharp angle with LAA walls. In the presence of LAA thrombus, the LAA blood flow velocity was considerably higher for COVID-19 patients than for the comparison group (31.0±8.9 and 18.8±4.9 cm/sec, respectively; p=0.010). At the follow-up examination performed at 24.0 days on the average, the thrombus was found to be dissolved in 80 and 50% of patients after and without COVID-19, respectively (р=0.343).Conclusion      In patients with persistent AF after the novel coronavirus infection, LAA thrombosis was detected more frequently than in patients who had never had COVID-19; it was characterized by mural localization and was not associated with a decrease in LAA blood flow velocity.

Intracardiac versus extracardiac shunt in a young man with ischaemic stroke

A 24-year-old man with a history of recent ischaemic stroke was diagnosed with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and referred for closure at our hospital. At admission, besides low peripheral oxygen saturation (88%), physical examination was otherwise normal. We performed intraprocedural transoesophageal echocardiogram that revealed no PFO, although agitated saline injection demonstrated bubbles lately on the left atrium. The atrial septum could not be crossed. We suspected an extracardiac shunt, so pulmonary angiograms were performed that revealed the presence of a left pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM). A Konar-MF Occluder was used to occlude the PAVM, with a satisfactory result. At 6 months follow-up, the patient had normal peripheral oxygen saturation and a new pulmonary angiogram showed no residual shunt. Intrapulmonary shunts are a rare and under-recognised cause of paradoxical emboli in young patients; physicians should be aware of this diagnosis as percutaneous occlusion is indicated and critical to avoid recurrent ischaemic episodes.

Prevalence and characteristics of transesophageal echocardiography-related esophageal mucosal injury in patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent pulmonary vein isolation

BACKGROUND

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the gold standard for detecting thrombi in the left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) prior to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although TEE has a good safety profile, it was recently reported that TEE preceding PVI can cause esophageal mucosal injuries (EMIs). The exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the incidence and risk factors of TEE-related EMI (TEE-EMI) among patients who underwent PVI for AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study included 262 consecutive patients who underwent PVI with preoperative TEE using a 3D TEE probe and postoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy. TEE-EMIs were observed in 16 (6.1%) patients (18 lesions), whereas PVI-related EMIs were found in 5 (1.9%) patients (8 lesions). All TEE-EMIs were observed in the upper or middle esophagus and occurred more frequently in the right region of the upper esophagus and the left anterior region of the middle esophagus; only one patient experienced mild chest discomfort. In the multivariate analysis, advanced age was an independent risk factor for TEE-EMIs (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.16; P = 0.0274).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of TEE-EMIs with 3D TEE probes was relatively high in the upper or middle esophagus, anatomically close to the LA, among patients who underwent PVI. Advanced age could pose a significant risk. These findings may warrant consideration of other methods to rule out LA/LAA thrombi, especially in elderly patients.

Conformal Left Atrial Appendage Seal Device for Left Atrial Appendage Closure: First Clinical Use

OBJECTIVES

The authors report the first clinical experience with the Conformal Left Atrial Appendage Seal (CLAAS) device.

BACKGROUND

The CLAAS device was designed to address the limitations of first-generation left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) devices by providing an implant that is minimally traumatic, can be deployed in a noncoaxial fashion, and does not require postprocedural oral anticoagulation.

METHODS

Patients with atrial fibrillation at high stroke risk (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥2) were recruited using standard selection criteria. The LAAC procedure was guided by transesophageal echocardiography with patients under general anesthesia. The CLAAS device is composed of a foam cup, with a Nitinol endoskeleton with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene cover, delivered with a standard delivery system using a tether for full recapture. All patients received dual-antiplatelet therapy for 6 months, followed by aspirin alone. Transesophageal echocardiographic follow-up was scheduled for 45 days and 1 year.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (63.7% with CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores ≥3, 76.2% with HAS-BLED scores ≥3) were enrolled. The device was successfully implanted in 18 patients and unsuccessfully in 4 patients. There were no serious procedural complications. On transesophageal echocardiography performed at 45 days, 1 significant leak (≥5 mm) was seen, which was due to a large posterior lobe not appreciated at the time of implantation, and 1 device-related thrombus was noted, which resolved on oral anticoagulation. There were no periprocedural strokes, major pericardial effusions, or systemic or device embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

This first-in-human study demonstrates the clinical feasibility of the CLAAS device for LAAC.

[Hypoglossal nerve injury following endotracheal intubation]

BACKGROUND

Endotracheal intubation is required to keep the airway open when a patient undergoes surgery under general anaesthetic. Here we present a rare complication of endotracheal intubation.

CASE

A 70-year-old woman underwent repeat pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation under general anaesthetic. Because the procedure was expected to take a long time, and because the surgeon might want to perform transoesophageal echocardiography, we chose to carry out endotracheal intubation on this patient. After the operation she showed dyspnoea, problems with swallowing and dysarthria. Physical examination showed elevation of the right pharyngeal arch and deviation of the tongue to the right. This was found to be due to hypoglossal nerve injury.

CONCLUSION

Hypoglossal nerve injury is a rare complication of endotracheal intubation. There is no proven effective treatment for this complication. Prognosis is favourable: 69% of the patients recover completely in the first 6 months following intubation. Patients with this complication should receive supportive therapy, such as speech therapy and dietary modifications, to prevent aspiration.

Intracardiac Versus Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: The LAAO Italian Multicenter Registry

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-guided versus transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) by the use of Amplatzer Cardiac Plug or Amulet devices included in a large Italian registry.

BACKGROUND

TEE is widely used for LAAO procedure guidance. ICE may be a potential alternative imaging modality in LAAO.

METHODS

Data from 604 LAAO procedures performed in 16 Italian centers were reviewed. ICE-guided LAAO was performed in 187 patients, whereas TEE was used in 417 patients. Procedural success was defined as LAAO without occurrence of pericardial tamponade, stroke, systemic embolism with end organ damage, major bleeding, and device embolization. Stroke, transient ischemic attack, major bleeding, overall and cardiovascular death were analyzed.

RESULTS

CHA₂DS₂-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism, vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, sex category) and HAS-BLED (hypertension, abnormal renal and liver function, stroke, bleeding, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs or alcohol) scores were similar between the ICE and TEE groups. TEE implied lower procedural (delta 12 min) and fluoroscopy time (delta 5 min) when compared with ICE. Procedural success was similarly high (≥94%) between the TEE and ICE groups with a complication rate of 6.5% for TEE versus 4.2% for ICE (odds ratio: 1.468; 95% confidence interval: 0.681 to 3.166; p = 0.327). At median follow-up of 451 days (interquartile range: 162 to 899 days), the rate of cerebral ischemic events was similar between TEE-guided and ICE-guided procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

ICE-guided LAAO by means of Amplatzer devices may represent a second alternative imaging modality after an appropriate learning curve and bearing in mind that pre-procedural computed tomography imaging is mandatory. When comparing ICE with TEE, TEE remains the gold standard.

[Consensus on Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology and the Department of Cardiovascular Image of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology]

Through the Life Cycle of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (ETTI/SBA) the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology, together with the Department of Cardiovascular Image of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (DIC/SBC), createded a task force to standardize the use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography by Brazilian anesthesiologists and echocardiographers based on scientific evidence from the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists/American Society of Echocardiography (SCA/ASE) and the Brazilian Society of Cardiology.

[Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions during surgery and medical procedures]

Anaphylaxis during anesthesia is an unpredictable, severe, and rare reaction. It has an incidence of 1/10 000 to 1/20 000 surgeries. In most series, the responsible drugs include neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, or antibiotics. The frequency and etiology of systemic allergic reactions in other medical procedures are largely unknown. The identification of responsible drugs of anaphylaxis is a complex task, requiring testing of all medications and substances used during surgery. We describe our experience in a retrospective study of 15 patients. Ten subjects developed anaphylaxis during surgery, two in endoscopic studies and one in a trans-vaginal ultrasound. The remaining two subjects, one in a trans-vaginal ultrasound and another during a dental procedure had a systemic allergic reaction. We studied all patients with all medications administered during the procedures, including latex and detergents and disinfectants. Three surgeries had to be suspended at induction of anesthesia, five were stopped incomplete and two were completed. Both patients that presented a reaction during endoscopy required intensive care unit admission and the rest were observed in a Hospital. The responsible drugs during surgery anaphylaxis were neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, patent blue, and ranitidine. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) was identified during endoscopic studies; latex was responsible in transvaginal ultrasounds; and amoxicillin in the dental procedure. The aim of the present article is to review our experience studying allergic systemic reactions and anaphylaxis during general anesthesia and medical procedures, emphasizing the severity of these reactions and the need for causative drug identification.

The Standard TEE Examination: Procedure, Safety, Typical Cross-Sections and Anatomic Correlations, and Systematic Analysis

Multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a semiinvasive, very low-risk imaging procedure utilizing the upper gastric and esophageal echo windows to image the heart with the use of high-frequency transducers. It allows for high spatial resolution and access to structures that are routinely not well seen by transthoracic echocardiography, such as the left atrial appendage, the thoracic aorta, and the pulmonary veins, or where transthoracic imaging may be insufficient to answer a specific question, such as the presence of small vegetations, endocarditic abscesses, abnormalities of the interatrial septum, and others. Another important indication is the ventilated patient or the patient in the operating room, where transthoracic echocardiography is unrewarding or impossible. A particular role has emerged for TEE for identifying candidates for mitral valve repair by providing detailed functional and morphologic information on the diseased valve and by checking intraoperatively the results of surgery. A set of cross-sections, defined by anatomic landmarks, has been compiled, which can be systematically sought, evaluated, and modified according to the clinical question in order to extract the maximal information from TEE.

Feasibility and Safety of Using a Fused Echocardiography/Fluoroscopy Imaging System in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Fused real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy has been used in adult patients during percutaneous mitral valve and aortic valve procedures. The use of fused echocardiographic/x-ray fluoroscopic imaging (FEX) in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart disease catheterization has not been evaluated for feasibility and safety. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of FEX for interventional guidance and to perform a comparison of atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure using this technology with traditional guidance methods.

METHODS

Prospective evaluation of FEX in congenital cardiac interventions was conducted. A subset of patients with ASD closures were compared with patients with historical ASD closures with and without FEX. The interventionalist and echocardiographer rated the anatomic quality of the fusion imaging as (1) excellent, (2) good, or (3) poor. In addition, the utility of FEX procedural guidance was graded as (1) superior, (2) no added benefit, or (3) inferior to that of standard guidance by fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography.

RESULTS

FEX was successfully used in 26 procedures on 25 patients with congenital heart disease from January 2013 to February 2015. The median age was 9 years (range, 3-26 years), and the median weight was 29 kg (range, 16-77 kg). Twenty-six procedures were performed, including ASD closure, Fontan fenestration closure, and transcatheter valve placement in the tricuspid valve position. There was reduced fluoroscopy time and radiation dose in patients with ASDs who underwent imaging using this new technology (P < .001 and P < .03, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in procedural times between the two groups. Anatomic definition was rated as excellent in 20 of 26 procedures, with the remaining six rated was good. Twenty-one of 26 procedures were graded as superior (81%), and five of 26 (19%) were graded as providing no added benefit. There were no complications in any of the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In this early experience, FEX is feasible and safe in patients undergoing congenital heart disease catheterization and provides useful guidance in the majority of interventional procedures. There were relative reductions in fluoroscopy time and radiation dose with the use of FEX for ASD closure.

[Vasoplegic Syndrome after Aortic Valve Replacement]

We report a case of vasoplegic syndrome (VS) after aortic valve replacement in a 65 year old male with aortic stenosis. The patient developed hypotension after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Transesophageal echocardiography revealed well-maintained cardiac function and normal prosthetic valve function. However, his cardiac index was 3.0 l x min(-1) x m(-2) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) was 1100 dynes x sec(-1) x cm(-5) x m(-2). Diagnosing VS, norepinephrine administration was commenced. Since his respiratory status was good, the patient was extubated on the day of surgery. Two days after surgery, catecholamines were discontinued with the stabilization of his circulatory status. However, his respiratory status showed gradual deterioration, and he was re-intubated. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pleural effusion, which was treated by drainage and fluid restriction. With this, his oxygenation improved and he could be extubated 5 days after surgery. Vasoplegic syndrome is a potentially life-threatening complication following cardiac surgery. Hypotension at the time of separation from CPB can be due to multiple factors. Despite an incidence rate of 10%, little is known about VS. We hope that, in future, tailored therapeutic protocols for VS will be developed.

Hyoid bone fracture: an unrecognised complication of intubation or transoesophageal echocardiogram?

A 55-year-old man sustained a compound hyoid fracture in the perioperative period surrounding coronary artery bypass surgery. The two most likely mechanisms of injury were external laryngeal pressure sustained either during transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) or intubation. He was managed operatively and made an uneventful recovery. The procedure that led to the hyoid fracture was not determined. Of note, this has not been previously described as a complication of either procedure.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory tract infections associated with contaminated ultrasound gel used for transesophageal echocardiography - Michigan, December 2011-January 2012

In late December 2011, the Department of Epidemiology at Beaumont Health System (BHS) in Royal Oak, Michigan, noted an increase in the number of positive respiratory cultures in one surgical intensive-care unit (ICU), prompting further investigation. The increase in positive cultures was attributed entirely to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Investigation by BHS staff members found that all of these positive cultures were related to use of ultrasound transmission gel from a single manufacturer during transesophageal echocardiography. Seven patients were infected with P. aeruginosa based on National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria, and nine were colonized. Cultures from one open and one unopened bottle of the gel grew P. aeruginosa closely related to the outbreak strain based on molecular typing via repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR). The Oakland County Health Department, the Michigan Department of Community Health, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were notified of the findings. On January 23, all implicated ultrasound gel in multiuse bottles was removed from BHS facilities and replaced with a single-use, sterile ultrasound gel for all potentially invasive procedures. On April 18, FDA issued a Safety Communication* advising health-care professionals and facilities not to use certain lot numbers of the ultrasound transmission gel and further advising that the only ultrasound gel that is sterile is unopened gel in containers labeled as sterile. To date, no further respiratory cultures have been positive for P. aeruginosa.

[Esophageal injury after insertion of a transesophageal echocardiography probe in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery]

We describe a case of an esophageal injury caused by insertion of a transesophageal cardiac echo probe in a 66-year-old man with an aberrant right subclavian artery, who was scheduled for Bentall surgery for aortic regurgitation and annuloaortic ectasia. Preoperative CT scan showed an aberrant right subclavian artery compressed from the back of the esophagus. General anesthesia was induced with midazolam and fentanyl, and maintained with midazolam, remifentanil and fentanyl. After induction of anesthesia, a transesophageal cardiac echo probe was inserted without abnormal resistance. The operation was performed uneventfully. On the second day after surgery, gastrointestinal bleeding was suspected and the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIF) was performed. GIF revealed ulceration at the mid-esophagus and gastroesophageal junction, and a large amount of fresh blood in the stomach. The location of the ulcer at mid-esophagus was likely to be over the aberrant right subclavian artery. Ulcers were treated conservatively. GIF on the postoperative day 16 revealed that ulcers had healed. Transesophageal echo probe insertion is potentially hazardous in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery. Although aberrant right subclavian artery is rare, transesophageal echocardiography should be performed with extreme caution.

Hypopharyngeal perforation: an unusual complication of transesophageal echocardiography

Physicians frequently use transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for clinical cardiology and during surgery. It is considered a safe procedure, and only a few cases of complications have been reported in the literature. We present the case of a 78-year-old man who experienced a perforation of the hypopharynx following TEE. The perforation went unrecognized for 10 days. Computed tomography identified a cervical abscess, which was drained. The patient recovered and was doing well at the 1-year follow-up. Hypopharyngeal perforation is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Surgeons should know and recognize its clinical signs to prevent its occurrence.

[Transesophageal echocardiography to monitor fluid administration during the perioperative period]

BACKGROUND

During the perioperative period an adequate intravascular volume must be maintained. Current recommendations overestimate perioperative volume requirements.

AIM

To compare perioperative volume administration using standard monitoring methods or guided by left ventricular filling parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients subjected to colon resection were randomized to monitoring by electrocardiography, blood and central venous pressure, or by transesophageal echocardiography. In the latter, volume administration was adjusted to maintain basal values of left ventricular end diastolic volume and cardiac index.

RESULTS

Patients with the standard monitoring system and transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring received 21.1 ± 12 and 6.3 ± 2 ml/kg/h of fluids during the perioperative period, respectively (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of transesophageal echocardiography significantly reduced the perioperative fluid administration.

T-tube management of late esophageal perforation

Esophageal perforation is a serious condition with a high mortality rate. Management strategy of such a patient depends on the extent of perforation and the time interval between perforation and diagnosis. The use of a T tube to treat delayed esophageal perforation with complete resolution and no need for future definitive surgery has been less frequently described. We adapted this principle in successful management of a 73 year old patient with four days history of fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and radiological evidence of perforation.

Safety of transesophageal echocardiography

Since its introduction into the operating room in the early 1980s, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has gained widespread use during cardiac, major vascular, and transplantation surgery, as well as in emergency and intensive care medicine. Moreover, TEE has become an invaluable diagnostic tool for the management of patients with cardiovascular disease in a nonoperative setting. In comparison with other diagnostic modalities, TEE is relatively safe and noninvasive. However, the insertion and manipulation of the ultrasound probe can cause oropharyngeal, esophageal, or gastric trauma. Here, the authors review the safety profile of TEE by identifying complications and propose a set of relative and absolute contraindications to probe placement. In addition, alternative echocardiographic modalities (e.g., epicardial echocardiography) that may be considered when TEE probe placement is contraindicated or not feasible are discussed.