The Year in Perioperative Echocardiography: Selected Highlights From 2021

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Anesthesia
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• The Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia continues its annual review series.
• This installment focuses on perioperative echocardiography research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize significant research findings in perioperative echocardiography from the past year.
• To cover studies relevant to cardiothoracic surgery patients and general perioperative use.

Main Methods:

• Review of recently published research articles.
• Focus on studies concerning diagnosis and treatment using perioperative echocardiography.
• Inclusion of general perioperative echocardiography applications.

Main Results:

• Highlights key advancements in perioperative echocardiography.
• Identifies trends in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• Summarizes research applicable to cardiothoracic and general surgical populations.

Conclusions:

• Perioperative echocardiography remains a critical tool in cardiothoracic anesthesia.
• Ongoing research continues to refine its diagnostic and therapeutic roles.
• The findings provide valuable updates for clinicians in the field.