Stern KWD, Emani SM, Peek GJ, Geva T, Kutty S. Epicardial Echocardiography in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery.
World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2019;
10:343-350. [PMID:
31084307 DOI:
10.1177/2150135119838414]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epicardial echocardiography (e-echo) is a useful approach to intraoperative imaging for the smallest patients and in those with contraindications to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The e-echo has additional advantages that include improved visualization of anterior and vascular structures and three-dimensional capabilities. In this review, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of e-echo versus TEE for pediatric and congenital heart surgery with the goal of enhancing the utility and feasibility of the former among congenital heart surgeons. We also review the technique for performance of an e-echo and provide demonstrations of the images obtained for select lesions.
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