Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Application of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography using a matrix array probe for
Manabu Taniguchi1, Teiji Akagi, Nobuhisa Watanabe
1Cardiac Care Unit, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan. tmnb@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Background:
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of real-time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) using a matrix array 3D transesophageal echocardiographic probe for morphologic evaluation and guidance of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs).
Methods:
Forty-eight consecutive patients scheduled for the intervention were included. Two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) and RT3D-TEE were performed before and during the procedures. Measurements of maximal ASD diameter and surrounding rims obtained on RT3D-TEE were compared with those obtained on 2D-TEE.
Results:
In 46 patients (96%), optimal 3D images for the morphologic evaluation of ASDs were obtained. RT3D-TEE facilitated the evaluation of ASD morphology and surrounding rims and was able to provide intraprocedural information clearly. A Bland-Altman plot showed a mean maximal diameter difference of -0.12 mm between the means (95% limits of agreement, -2.2 to 2.5 mm).
Conclusion:
RT3D-TEE is a clinically useful, complementary option to 2D-TEE for evaluation of ASD morphology and for interventional guidance.
