[Intraoperative echocardiography: impact on surgical decision-making]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Surgical Technology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Intraoperative echocardiography has evolved significantly since the 1970s.
• Its utility in the perioperative period, particularly for cardiac surgery, is well-established.
• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and epiaortic ultrasound are key complementary diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of intraoperative echocardiography on surgical decision-making.
• To highlight the diagnostic importance and potential applications of intraoperative echocardiography.
• To guide clinicians on indications for intraoperative echocardiography.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence on intraoperative echocardiography.
• Analysis of diagnostic modalities like TEE and epiaortic ultrasound.
• Focus on clinical information influencing surgical choices.

Main Results:

• Intraoperative TEE directly impacts surgical decisions and patient outcomes in cardiac procedures.
• TEE is valuable in non-cardiac surgery for high-risk, hemodynamically unstable, or arrest patients.
• TEE facilitates diagnosis and intervention, even during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative echocardiography is crucial for optimizing patient management and outcomes.
• TEE offers significant diagnostic and therapeutic guidance across various surgical settings.
• Clinicians should be aware of the indications and applications of intraoperative echocardiography.