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Transnasal transesophageal echocardiography
K T Spencer1, D Krauss, J Thurn
1University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Summary
A new miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography probe allows for safe and well-tolerated transnasal intubation, enabling long-term monitoring of ventricular function with good image quality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable diagnostic tool in critical care.
- Current TEE probes are limited for long-term serial ventricular function evaluation due to size and oral intubation intolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and patient tolerance of a new prototype miniaturized monoplane TEE probe for transnasal intubation.
- To assess the utility of this probe for monitoring left ventricular performance.
Main Methods:
- 139 transesophageal echocardiography procedures were performed in 128 patients using a new prototype probe (64 oral, 75 transnasal).
- Transnasal intubation success rates, patient tolerance (sedated or awake), and image quality were assessed.
- Left ventricular performance was monitored using acoustic quantification and custom software.
Main Results:
- Transnasal intubation with the prototype probe was successful in 63/75 attempts and well-tolerated by patients.
- Oral intubation was successful in all 64 attempts.
- Two-dimensional echocardiographic views were comparable to standard probes, with good or acceptable image quality in most cases.
- Feasibility of monitoring left ventricular performance with minimal probe adjustment was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Transesophageal echocardiography with a prototype miniaturized monoplane probe via transnasal intubation is feasible, safe, and well-tolerated.
- This approach provides excellent image quality and potential for long-term echocardiographic monitoring of ventricular function.