Transesophageal assessment of left atrial thrombus using a 3.3-mm monoplane probe.
Journal Article (Clinical Trial;Journal Article)
OBJECTIVES: Our study was designed to demonstrate that transesophageal echocardiography using a 3.3-mm monoplane probe can accurately evaluate the left atrium for patients with arrhythmias before cardioversion. BACKGROUND: Standard probes cause discomfort during intubation requiring sedation, but miniature probes do not. METHODS: With topical anesthesia alone, a 3.3-mm probe was used for transesophageal echocardiography in 60 patients. After intravenous sedation, standard transesophageal echocardiography was then performed. RESULTS: In 51 of 60 patients, the left atrium was visualized with the 3.3-mm probe. In 43 of 51 patients the appendage was clear. A thrombus was seen in 7 patients on both studies. In one patient spontaneous echocontrast was seen only with the 3.3-mm probe (sensitivity 100%, specificity 97%). In 9 of 60 patients, the appendage could not be assessed. CONCLUSIONS: In many patients the 3.3-mm probe can visualize the appendage and obviate the need for sedation. Technical advances will improve image quality with miniature probes.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Brosnan, RB; Crowley, AL; Russo, CA; Jollis, JG
Published Date
- December 2005
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 18 / 12
Start / End Page
- 1381 - 1384
PubMed ID
- 16376770
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1097-6795
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.echo.2005.05.007
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States