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An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

An argument for routine ultrasound screening of the thoracic aorta in the cardiac surgery population

William S Whitley1, Kathryn E Glas

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. wswhitl@emory.edu

Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
|November 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Routine ultrasound screening during cardiac surgery can help diagnose aortic disease, reducing stroke and neurological injury risks. This approach enhances patient safety by identifying atherosclerosis before surgical manipulation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Neurology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Cardiac surgery poses risks of stroke and neurological injury, often linked to aortic atheromas.
  • Thoracic aortic disease is prevalent in cardiac patients, with ascending aorta manipulation being common.
  • Atherosclerotic plaque dislodgement during surgery is a known cause of embolic events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence supporting routine ultrasound guidance in cardiac surgery.
  • To highlight the diagnostic capabilities of epiaortic ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiography.
  • To explore the potential for improved postoperative outcomes through early diagnosis of aortic disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on ultrasound in cardiac surgery.
  • Analysis of diagnostic accuracy of epiaortic ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiography.
  • Evaluation of the association between aortic manipulation and embolic events.

Main Results:

  • Epiaortic ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiography are highly accurate for diagnosing aortic atherosclerosis.
  • These imaging modalities are readily accessible to surgical teams.
  • Evidence suggests a link between aortic manipulation and embolization.

Conclusions:

  • Routine ultrasound screening can identify patients at risk for embolic events during cardiac surgery.
  • Implementing ultrasound guidance may mitigate stroke and neurological injury complications.
  • Further investigation into the widespread adoption of ultrasound in cardiac procedures is warranted.

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