Transnasal transesophageal echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography has been used as a diagnostic tool in the critical care unit. However, long-term serial evaluation of ventricular function with transesophageal echocardiography is difficult because of the current probe sizes and intolerance to prolonged oral intubation. We performed 139 intubations (64 oral and 75 transnasal) with a new prototype probe in 128 patients referred for transesophageal echocardiography. Transnasal intubation with the prototype probe was possible in 63/75 attempts. Oral intubation was successful in all 64 attempts. Patients tolerated transnasal intubation well when mildly sedated or awake. Two-dimensional echocardiographic views obtained with the nasal probe were similar to those obtained with a standard monoplane probe. Image quality was rated as good or acceptable in nearly all cases. Transgastric short-axis imaging of the left ventricle combined with acoustic quantification provided stable left ventricular area waveforms. Using custom developed software we showed the feasibility of monitoring left ventricular performance with minimal probe adjustment while graphically displaying and updating left ventricular area and fractional area change. Thus, transesophageal echocardiography with a prototype miniaturized monoplane probe passed transnasally is feasible, safe, and well tolerated by patients. This probe provides excellent two-dimensional echocardiographic images and may allow long-term echocardiographic monitoring of ventricular performance.