Echocardiography in structural heart disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Structural heart disease interventions are rapidly advancing.
• Echocardiography plays a critical role in guiding these procedures.
• The role of cardiac anesthesiologists is expanding into interventional imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current use of echocardiographic modalities in structural heart interventions.
• To define the role of cardiac anesthesiologists as interventional imagers.
• To highlight the importance of advanced echocardiographic skills.

Main Methods:

• Review of current echocardiographic modalities (transthoracic, transesophageal, intracardiac).
• Analysis of the evolving role of cardiac anesthesiologists in interventional imaging.
• Discussion of necessary skill sets for interventional imagers.

Main Results:

• Technological innovations have increased the use of advanced, real-time echocardiography in structural heart interventions.
• Higher skill sets are now required for both cardiologists and anesthesiologists involved in interventional imaging.
• Echocardiography is indispensable for the success of transcatheter device procedures.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of current echocardiographic and transcatheter device technologies is essential.
• Developing specific echocardiographic competencies will enable cardiac anesthesiologists to keep pace with innovation.
• Cardiac anesthesiologists are integral to the multidisciplinary team in structural heart interventions.