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Transoesophageal echocardiographic monitoring during paediatric cardiac surgery: obtainable information and feasibility in 532 children
Author(s) -
Sloth Erik,
Pedersen Jens,
Olsen Kirsten Hjortholm,
Wanscher Michael,
Hansen Ole Kromann,
Sørensen KELD E.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pediatric anesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.704
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1460-9592
pISSN - 1155-5645
DOI - 10.1046/j.1460-9592.2001.00737.x
Subject(s) - medicine , inotrope , leak , cardiac surgery , surgery , anesthesia , cardiology , environmental engineering , engineering
Background : We hypothesized that transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) performed by the anaesthesiologists would be beneficial for monitoring purposes during paediatric cardiac surgery. We present the results for the first 5 years in 532 consecutive children. Methods : The probe was successfully inserted in 99% of cases and remained in the oesophagus for 211 min on average (range 10–555 min). Results : Insignificant valve leak, single‐ or biventricular failure and volume depletion were the most common new findings due to TOE. Changes in inotropic strategy and volume replacement were the most frequent interventions. In 45% of the cases, new information was disclosed and, in a total of 8% of cases, decisive information was provided. Except for tracheal extubation in one child who was uneventfully reintubated, no severe complications were identified. Conclusions : These data stress the safety and ease of performing TOE in children undergoing cardiac surgery. There is evidence for benefit from TOE findings to potentially enhance the therapeutic basis.