Intraoperative Applications of Transesophageal Echocardiography

Twelve patients consisting of 7 women and 5 men were studied by transeophageal echocardiography (TEE). Age of the patients ranged between 26 to 60. TEE was performed in 3 patients during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), in 4 patients during valve reconstruction and in 5 patients during valve replacement. The probe was placed in the esophagus approximately 30-40 cm down from the teeth, following induction of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. Images were obtained by using a Hewlett Packard (HP) 5mHz esophageal probe connected to HP sonos 1000 echocardiography system. Initial images were obtained during surgery and after the patient was removed from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The prebypass findings were helpful for the interpretation of the subsequent postbypass study. TEE yielded more detailed information about native valve morphology and prosthetic valve, the presence of left atrial and appendage thrombi and residual problems following surgery. TEE with high resolution transducer provided confirmation of structural information preoperatively and was helpful for the surgeon in postoperative assessment of surgical results and ventricular function. It is concluded that routine application of TEE during operation is useful because of its contribution to the course and result of the surgical procedure.