[Intraoperative echocardiography guidelines in Brazil - Is it time for a task force?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Clinical Guidelines

Background:

• Intraoperative echocardiography (IOE) has been a focus of continuing education by the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) since 2011 via the IOE Course (ETI/SBA).
• Despite its integration into anesthesiology practice in Brazil, there is a lack of established policies regarding expertise, training, and inter-societal recognition, particularly with the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To contextualize the current state of anesthesiology in intraoperative echocardiography within Brazil.
• To advocate for the formation of a joint Task Force with the SBC to develop national guidelines for IOE.

Main Methods:

• Review of the historical involvement of anesthesiology in IOE in Brazil, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.
• Highlighting the formalization of IOE training through the ETI/SBA Course initiated in 2011.
• Noting the dissemination of the course and participation of over 200 anesthesiologists, primarily in cardiac surgery.

Main Results:

• Intraoperative echocardiography is an integrated component of anesthesiology practice in Brazil.
• The ETI/SBA Course has successfully provided continuing education to a significant number of anesthesiologists.

Conclusions:

• While IOE is a reality in Brazilian anesthesiology, a comprehensive national guideline is currently lacking.
• Establishing a Task Force with the Brazilian Society of Cardiology is crucial for developing official Brazilian Guidelines on Intraoperative Echocardiography, mirroring international practices.