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Transesophageal echocardiography with the use of a four-millimeter probe
J Lam1, R A Neirotti, R Hardjowijono
1Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
A new 4 mm transesophageal probe offers a less traumatic option for pediatric echocardiography. This smaller probe is easy to insert and provides satisfactory diagnostic information, improving care for neonates with congenital heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is common in pediatrics.
- Standard 7 mm TEE probes can be difficult to insert in small children.
- Traumatic probe insertion can complicate pediatric TEE procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel 17-element, 4 mm transverse plane TEE probe.
- To assess the feasibility and safety of this smaller probe in pediatric patients.
- To determine if the 4 mm probe improves management of neonates with congenital heart disease.
Main Methods:
- A 4 mm, 17-element transverse plane TEE probe was tested.
- 136 pediatric patients and 3 adult volunteers were included.
- Probes were used in operating rooms, catheterization labs, and ICUs.
Main Results:
- The 4 mm probe was easy to insert, even in emergencies.
- No complications were reported in any patient.
- Satisfactory diagnostic information was obtained despite the probe's low element count.
- Improved management of neonates with congenital heart disease was suggested.
Conclusions:
- The 4 mm transesophageal probe is a safe and effective alternative for pediatric echocardiography.
- Its ease of insertion is particularly beneficial in emergency settings.
- This probe can enhance the care of neonates with congenital heart disease in critical care environments.
Abstract:
Transesophageal echocardiography with the use of pediatric probes is nowadays commonly performed. However, in small children, insertion of a probe with a diameter of 7 mm may be traumatic or even impossible. We therefore tested a 17-element, 4 mm transverse plane probe in 136 pediatric patients, mainly in the operation room, catheterization laboratory, or the intensive care unit, and in three healthy adult volunteers. This probe was easy to insert, particularly during emergency situations, did not cause any complication in any patient, and provided satisfactory information despite the low number of elements. The use of a 4 mm transesophageal probe can improve the management of neonates with congenital heart disease in the operating room or the neonatal intensive care unit.