Hypopharyngeal Perforation Near-Miss During Transesophageal Echocardiography

Efficacy and safety of videolaryngoscopes for transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion: A trial sequential meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to compare videolaryngoscope (VL)-assisted transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion with conventional methods in terms of efficacy and safety.

METHODS

Several major databases such as Medline and Embase were systematically searched to identified relevant studies from inception to June 2024. The primary outcome was complication rate, defined as the proportion of patients experiencing complications related to TEE probe insertion. Injuries at specific sites (e.g., posterior hypopharyngeal wall) from both groups were also analyzed. The secondary outcomes included the first-attempt success rate and total insertion time of VL and conventional methods.

RESULTS

Seven trials involving 716 participants were identified. The use of VL was found to significantly reduce the complication rate (risk ratio[RR]:0.28, 95% confidence interval[CI]:0.17-0.46, P < 0.00001) and increased the first-attempt success rate [FASR] (RR:1.33, 95%CI: 1.10-1.60, P = 0.003) compared with conventional methods. These findings were confirmed by trial sequential analysis. No significant difference was found in the TEE insertion time among the two techniques (mean difference: -2.94s, 95%CI: -10.28-4.4, P = 0.43). VL significantly reduced the risk of trauma to the hypopharyngeal wall but showed no significant benefits in other areas (e.g., pyriform sinus). The certainty of evidence was moderate for the complication rate, very low for the FAS rate, and low for the TEE insertion time.

CONCLUSION

The use of VL for TEE probe insertion is associated with a significantly lower complication rate and higher FAS rate than conventional methods. These findings suggest that VL enhances patient safety and improves the efficiency of TEE probe insertion.

A Study of Factors Predicting Difficulties in Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Probe Insertion in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Background and objective While transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial in cardiac surgery, the probe insertion can be challenging. This observational study aimed to identify predictive factors associated with difficult TEE probe insertion in adult cardiac surgery patients. Methods A total of 119 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included in the study. Demographic variables (age, gender, and BMI) and airway factors (modified Mallampati classification, modified Cormack-Lehane grading, and thyromental distance) were analyzed. The difficulty of TEE probe insertion was categorized into three grades, and various maneuvers were assessed for difficult insertions. Results Of note, 30.3% of insertions were difficult. Male gender (OR: 1.8), BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR: 2.5), Mallampati class III-IV (OR: 3.2), Cormack-Lehane grade IIb-IV (OR: 2.7), and thyromental distance <6.5 cm (OR: 1.9) were significantly associated with difficult insertion. Jaw thrust was the most effective maneuver (58.3%) for difficult cases. Conclusions Based on our findings, several demographic and airway factors predict difficulties in TEE probe insertion. Understanding these factors can help clinicians anticipate challenges and prepare appropriate strategies, potentially reducing complications associated with probe insertion.

Hemodynamic monitoring using trans esophageal echocardiography in patients with shock

Circulatory shock is a life-threatening condition responsible for inadequate tissue perfusion. The objectives of hemodynamic monitoring in this setting are multiple: identifying the mechanisms of shock (hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, obstructive); choosing the adequate therapeutic intervention, and evaluating the patient's response. Echocardiography is proposed as a first line tool for this assessment in the intensive care unit. As compared to trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers a better echogenicity and is the best way to evaluate deep anatomic structures. The therapeutic implication of TEE leads to frequent changes in clinical management. It also allows depicting sources of inaccuracy of thermodilution-based hemodynamic monitoring. It is a semi invasive tool with a low rate of complications. The first step in the hemodynamic evaluation of shock is to characterize the mechanisms of circulatory failure among hypovolemia, vasoplegia, cardiac dysfunction, and obstruction. Echocardiographic evaluation includes evaluation of LV systolic and diastolic function, as well as RV function, pericardium, measure of stroke volume and cardiac output, and evaluation of hypovolemia and fluid responsiveness. TEE can be used as a semi-continuous monitoring tool and can be repeated before and after therapeutic interventions (vasopressors, inotropes, fluid therapy, specific treatment such as pericardial effusion evacuation) to evaluate efficacy and tolerance of therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, TEE plays an important role in the management of circulatory failure when TTE is not enough to answer to the questions, although it is not a continuous tool of monitoring. TEE results must be integrated in a global evaluation, the first step being clinical examination. Whether TEE-directed therapy and close hemodynamic monitoring of shock has an impact on outcome remains debated.

Videolaryngoscopy for transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a well-established procedure, but serious complications may occur. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the utility of videolaryngoscopy-assisted technique in TEE probe insertion. We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ICTRP. We included RCTs comparing TEE probe insertion techniques assisted with videolaryngoscopy and with any other insertion technique in adult patients. Primary outcome measures were (1) the number of attempts before successful TEE probe insertion, and (2) the risk of any procedural injury to related structures. The secondary outcome measure was time to TEE probe insertion. In total, three studies (n = 266) were included in this systematic review. Overall, a significantly less number of attempts were required with videolaryngoscopy-assisted insertion (mean difference [MD] - 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.73, - 0.46; low quality of evidence). Videolaryngoscopy-assisted technique was also associated with smaller risk of complications (risk ratio [RR] 0.17; 95% CI 0.05, 0.62; low quality of evidence). There was no significant difference in time to probe insertion (MD - 8.57; 95% CI - 26.31, 9.16; very low quality of evidence). The use of videolaryngoscopy for TEE probe insertion is associated with a significant reduction in the number of attempts and complication rate.

Echocardiography in cardiac arrest: An emergency medicine review

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac arrest management primarily focuses on optimal chest compressions and early defibrillation for shockable cardiac rhythms. Non-shockable rhythms such as pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and asystole present challenges in management. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in cardiac arrest is promising.

OBJECTIVES

This review provides a focused assessment of POCUS in cardiac arrest, with an overview of transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), uses in arrest, and literature support.

DISCUSSION

Cardiac arrest can be distinguished between shockable and non-shockable rhythms, with management varying based on the rhythm. POCUS provides a diagnostic and prognostic tool in the emergency department (ED), which may improve accuracy in clinical decision-making. Several protocols incorporate POCUS based on different cardiac views. TTE includes parasternal long axis, parasternal short axis, apical 4-chamber, and subxiphoid views, which may be used in cardiac arrest for diagnosis of underlying cause and potential prognostication. TEE is conducted by inserting the probe into the esophagus of intubated patients, with several studies evaluating its use in cardiac arrest. It is associated with few adverse effects, while allowing continued compressions (and evaluation of those compressions) and not interrupting resuscitation efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

POCUS is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in cardiac arrest, with recent literature supporting its diagnostic ability. TTE can guide resuscitation efforts dependent on the rhythm, though TTE should not interrupt other resuscitation measures. TEE can be useful during arrest, but further studies based in the ED are needed.

McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope for insertion of a transoesophageal echocardiography probe: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probe insertion in anaesthetised patients can cause pharyngeal and oesophageal injuries. Kim et al. have shown that insertion assisted by a Macintosh laryngoscope can reduce such complications but it may sometimes be difficult to observe the passage of a TOE probe. The McGRATH MAC (McGRATH) has been shown to provide a better view of the glottis, piriform fossa and oesophageal inlet during tracheal intubation than the Macintosh.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesised that the McGRATH provided better visualisation of the oesophageal inlet and was useful as an aid to TOE probe placement, possibly reducing the incidence of pharyngeal injury related to insertion, compared with the Macintosh.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted in a university hospital from February to December 2014.

PATIENTS

One hundred patients undergoing elective surgery under intraoperative TOE monitoring were randomised to either a Macintosh group or a McGRATH group.

INTERVENTIONS

Macintosh and McGRATH were used to visualise the passage of the TOE probe and guide its insertion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visibility of the oesophageal inlet, the number of TOE insertion attempts and incidence of pharyngeal mucosal injury after the TOE probe had been removed were assessed.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients in whom the oesophageal inlet was visible was higher in the McGRATH group (88%) than in the Macintosh group (41%) (P < 0.01). The number of TOE probe insertion attempts was significantly smaller in the McGRATH group than in the Macintosh group (P = 0.039). The incidence of pharyngeal mucosal injury was significantly smaller in the McGRATH group (4%) than in the Macintosh group (16%; P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

The McGRATH provided a better view of the oesophageal inlet and was useful as an aid to TOE probe placement, possibly reducing the incidence of pharyngeal injury related to its insertion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan (UMIN) 000012970.

Use of McGrath MAC Videolaryngoscope to Assist Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Insertion in Intubated Patients

OBJECTIVES

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion with the conventional blind insertion technique may be difficult in anesthetized and intubated patients. The use of a videolaryngoscope may facilitate the insertion of the TEE probe. The aim of this study was to compare the conventional technique with the use of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope for TEE probe insertion in terms of success rate, duration of insertion, and complications in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

Training and research hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-six adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Eighty-six adult patients were randomized into 2 groups: conventional group (n = 43) and McGrath videolaryngoscope group (n = 43). Success rates, duration of insertion, complications, and hemodynamic changes during insertion were recorded.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The success rate of TEE probe insertion at the first attempt was higher in the McGrath videolaryngoscope group (90.5%) than in the conventional group (43.9%) (p = 0.012). The mean duration for successful insertion of the TEE probe at the first attempt was longer in the McGrath videolaryngoscope group (24 s v 11 s) (p = 0.016). The total time for successful insertion of the TEE probe was similar in both groups. Pharyngeal injuries were observed more frequently in the conventional group (17.1% v 2.4%) (p = 0.037). The rate of blood presence on the probe tip in the conventional group was higher than in the McGrath group (21.9% v 4.8%). There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate before and after TEE insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope for TEE insertion in cardiovascular surgery patients increases the success rate and reduces pharyngeal injuries compared to the conventional technique. The use of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope for TEE insertion causes similar hemodynamic changes as in the conventional blind insertion technique.

A Rare Case of Iatrogenic Deep Neck Infection Secondary to Hypopharyngeal Injury Caused by the Transesophageal Echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered relatively safe but semi-invasive. The hypopharyngeal and esophageal injury is infrequent complication of TEE but could be serious, even life-threatening. We present a case of a 74-year-old man who experienced a deep neck infection secondary to hypopharyngeal injury following TEE. The diagnosis was made because of the subcutaneous emphysema developed 3 hours after TEE. In spite of antibiotics therapy with prolonged fasting, a right parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess was developed 5 days later. With ultrasound-guided drainage of abscess and continuous antibiotic treatment, infection was controlled. The patent underwent mitral valve repair after 14 days of antibiotic therapy. The patient recovered uneventfully. For cardiologists performing TEE, it is required to know complications and their risk factors to minimize hypopharyngeal and esophageal injury.

Facilitating transesophageal echocardiography probe placement by esophageal bougie in an anesthetized patient

The reported adverse effects of perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are mostly associated with the insertion and manipulation of the TEE probe. Recent data suggest that blind probe insertion may be associated with greater morbidity than reported previously. Although this morbidity appears to be subclinical with unknown effects on patient outcome, evaluation of strategies for insertion is warranted. Herein, we present a novel insertion technique using a soft-tipped esophageal bougie as a guide for blind TEE probe insertion in a patient undergoing cardiac surgery. The potential advantages and related safety issues are discussed.

Perforation of the hypopharynx after transesophageal echocardiography

A 65-year-old obese woman with an oversized neck and dysphagia underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The procedure was complicated by difficulty in insertion from the pharynx to esophagus, and her head and neck gradually swelled. Computed tomography (CT) revealed extensive emphysema from the neck to superior mediastinum, which suggested pharyngeal perforation. A nasogastric tube was inserted, and the patient received antibiotics to prevent secondary mediastinitis. CT performed 1 week later showed improvement of emphysema and no evidence of mediastinitis. Perforation along the orogastric pathway during TEE is a rare but life-threatening complication to which physicians performing TEE should pay attention.

Progress in perioperative echocardiography: focus on safety, clinical outcomes, 3-dimensional imaging, and education

Gastric decompression with an orogastric tube after anesthetic induction does not appear to enhance image quality for routine cases. The insertion of a transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) probe can cause significant upper-airway trauma, which can be minimized with rigid laryngoscopy. Limited TEE imaging without transgastric views appears to be safe and clinically adequate in patients with advanced liver disease and esophageal varices. Although esophagogastric perforation because of transesophageal echocardiography is rare, the risk is significantly higher with advanced age and female sex. The echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function and left ventricular diastolic function can improve the prediction of atrial arrhythmias after elective lung resection. Furthermore, asymptomatic left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity after open vascular surgery. Advances in 3D echocardiography have shown that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy frequently is associated with changes in the mitral valve complex that predispose to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Furthermore, 3D imaging of the mitral apparatus has highlighted the importance of the annular saddle shape and the anatomic variability in ischemic mitral regurgitation. Education in perioperative echocardiography is experiencing high demand that can be satisfied partially with simulators and Internet-based educational activities. These modalities will aid in the dissemination of echocardiography through perioperative practice.

Optimal head position during transesophageal echocardiographic probe insertion for pediatric patients weighing up to 10 kg

No data exists for the optimal head position during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion in children. Turning the head to the side closes the ipsilateral pyriform sinus and dilates the contralateral pyriform sinus, theoretically making probe insertion safer and easier. In this study, 94 children (weight, <or=10 kg) undergoing TEE during heart surgery between March 2000 and August 2001 were studied. The head position was either midline or left. A scale was devised to grade the resistance during probe insertion: grade 1 (none), grade 2 (mild), grade 3 (moderate), grade 4 (severe), and grade 5 (inability to insert probe). Probe insertion was midline in 38 and left in 56 of the children. Mild or no resistance was encountered in 86% of the head left versus 63% of the head midline children (p = 0.002). Probe insertion was easier with the head left in three subgroups: I (weight, >5 kg), II (weight, 4-5 kg), and III (weight, <4 kg). The difference was statistically significant only for subgroup III (p = 0.0001). Insertion failed in four children with the head in the midline position but was successful when the head was turned leftward. Children undergoing TEE who weigh less than 10 kg should have the head positioned to the side rather than in the midline position during probe insertion. If insertion is unsuccessful or difficult with the head in the midline position, the authors recommend turning the head to the side and reattempting probe insertion.

Accuracy of percutaneous placement of a ventriculoatrial shunt under ultrasonography guidance: a retrospective study at a single institution

The authors report their experience using preoperative chest radiography and intraoperative ultrasonography for percutaneous positioning of the distal end of the catheter when placing ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts in patients with hydrocephalus. The distal portion of VA shunt catheters were percutaneously placed into the internal jugular vein with the aid of intraoperative ultrasonography in 14 consecutive adults. In all cases, the technique was easy, there were no postoperative complications, and postoperative chest radiography demonstrated good positioning of the distal catheter tip. One patient presented with a shunt infection and needed a shunt replacement. The authors therefore conclude that percutaneous placement of a VA shunt under preoperative radiographic guidance and ultrasonographic monitoring is a safe, effective, and reliable technique that is simple to learn.

Arytenoid dislocation after cardiac surgery

Occurring most usually as complications of upper aerodigestive tract instrumentation during endotracheal intubation or extubation, arytenoid cartilage dislocation and arytenoid subluxation are uncommon laryngeal injuries. Their precise cause, however, is usually difficult to determine. We encountered arytenoid dislocation following cardiac surgery requiring the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This case prompted us to review some of the mechanisms of injury to the cricoarytenoid joint. We conclude that even very subtle force may dislocate the arytenoid cartilage. We speculate that careless insertion of a TEE probe is mechanically capable of causing arytenoid dislocation and arytenoid subluxation. As ideal tools for intra-operative cardiovascular monitoring, TEE probes are increasingly being used routinely during cardiovascular surgery. So far, arytenoid cartilage dislocation and subluxation following TEE probe insertion have been reported rarely, but complications caused by TEE may increase in the near future. We wish to emphasize the pathophysiological risks of TEE monitoring and other procedures associated with anesthesia, and the need for a proper explanation to achieve informed consent before carrying out TEE monitoring during cardiac surgeries.