Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in the operating room

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) emerged in cardiac anaesthesia in the 1980s.
• Initially focused on left ventricular ischaemia, its application has expanded significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the evolving role and applications of TOE in perioperative cardiac anaesthesia.
• To highlight its utility in various cardiac surgical procedures and patient management.

Main Methods:

• Review of the established use of TOE in cardiac anaesthesia.
• Discussion of TOE's contribution to managing specific cardiac pathologies and haemodynamic instability.

Main Results:

• TOE provides dynamic, real-time information on cardiac anatomy and physiology.
• It is valuable in procedures like valvular repair, endocarditis surgery, and thoracic aorta surgery.
• TOE aids in guiding therapy for haemodynamically unstable patients in the OR and ICU.

Conclusions:

• TOE is a cost-effective, non-invasive tool that complements other monitoring methods.
• Its use requires careful consideration of procedural risks and training needs.
• TOE has transformed the anaesthetist's role, enabling new diagnostic capabilities and influencing surgical outcomes.