Two-dimensional ultrasound and cardiac operations

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Cardiac operations require precise intraoperative monitoring.
• Assessing cardiac anatomy and function during surgery is crucial.
• Limitations exist in current methods for real-time cardiac assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of two-dimensional ultrasound for qualitative and quantitative studies during cardiac operations.
• To assess the ability of ultrasound to demonstrate cardiac anatomical alterations and detect perioperative complications.
• To determine the effectiveness of ultrasound in monitoring left ventricular function and mass changes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a gas-sterilized phased-array transducer applied directly to the heart's anterior surface.
• Performed qualitative and quantitative assessments in 74 patients undergoing cardiac operations.
• Employed techniques for imaging cardiac anatomy, detecting microbubbles, and measuring left ventricular function.

Main Results:

• High-quality cardiac images were obtained without special manipulations.
• Demonstrated anatomical changes related to valve disease and cardiac tumors.
• Detected microbubbles post-cardiopulmonary bypass in 42% of patients and assessed left ventricular function and mass changes.

Conclusions:

• Two-dimensional ultrasound is a valuable tool for intraoperative cardiac assessment.
• The technique aids in visualizing cardiac anatomy, monitoring ventricular function, and detecting complications.
• Familiarity with its capabilities and limitations is important for surgeons using this method.