Anesthetist-delivered intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in pediatric cardiac surgery

Tim Murphy1

  • 1Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|December 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This review examines anesthetist-led perioperative transesophageal echocardiography for pediatric cardiac surgery. It outlines essential training, practice development, accreditation, and team collaboration for establishing this service.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is crucial in pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Anesthetist involvement in TEE is increasingly recognized.
  • Evidence supporting anesthetist-delivered TEE requires comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for anesthetist-delivered perioperative TEE in pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • To discuss the practical aspects of implementing such a service.
  • To propose a structural model for anesthetist-delivered TEE.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing evidence.
  • Discussion of training, accreditation, and practice development.
  • Analysis of collaborative requirements within the perioperative team.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports the feasibility and benefits of anesthetist-delivered TEE.
  • Key considerations include specialized training and accreditation.
  • Effective collaboration with pediatric cardiologists and surgeons is vital.

Conclusions:

  • Anesthetist-delivered perioperative TEE is a viable and valuable service for pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Establishing this service necessitates robust training programs and clear accreditation pathways.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration is fundamental for successful implementation and patient care.

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