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Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
Published on: November 28, 2018
Esophageal perforation after perioperative transesophageal echocardiography: a case report
Hyun-Chang Kim1, Jung-Hyou Oh1, Yong-Cheol Lee2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 56, Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41931, Korea.
Background:
Transesophageal echocardiography is widely used in cardiac surgery. Transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion and manipulation can injure the esophagus.
Case Presentation:
A 76-year-old Asian man was admitted to our hospital for coronary artery bypass graft revascularization surgery. A right carotid endarterectomy was successfully performed 2 days before coronary artery bypass graft revascularization surgery. After the coronary artery bypass graft revascularization surgery was done successfully, postoperative computed tomography and esophagography revealed perforation of the middle esophagus. The patient was managed with fasting, parenteral nutrition, and intravenous antibiotics.
Conclusions:
Esophageal perforation can occur with transesophageal echocardiography probe insertion, even without difficulty or resistance, in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Appropriate imaging and vigilance for esophageal injury after a transesophageal echocardiography examination in patients with cardiovascular disease are necessary for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
