Intraoperative evaluation of coronary anatomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Intraoperative assessment of coronary anatomy is crucial for surgical planning and evaluation.
• Traditional methods may require invasive procedures like arteriotomy.
• Minimally invasive imaging techniques are sought for real-time anatomical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using high-frequency echocardiography (HFE) for intraoperative coronary anatomy assessment.
• To determine the diagnostic capabilities of HFE in visualizing coronary vessels and identifying abnormalities.
• To explore the utility of HFE in measuring coronary dimensions and evaluating surgical anastomoses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 12 MHz linear scanner for high-frequency echocardiography.
• Performed intraoperative imaging of coronary arteries in transverse and longitudinal planes.
• Focused on visualizing vessel course, stenoses, occlusions, and anastomoses.

Main Results:

• High-frequency echocardiography provided good resolution imaging of coronary arteries.
• Successful visualization of coronary vessels was achieved.
• Localization of stenoses and occlusions was feasible.
• Measurement of vessels and stenoses was possible.
• Evaluation of coronary anastomoses was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• High-frequency echocardiography is a viable tool for intraoperative coronary anatomy evaluation without arteriotomy.
• HFE offers good resolution for visualizing coronary anatomy, identifying lesions, and assessing surgical results.
• This technique can aid in real-time decision-making during cardiac surgery.