THE ROLE OF TRANSOESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Authors : Banu Sahin YILDIZ, Murat INNICE, Cetin GUL, Alparslan SAHIN, Mustafa YILDIZ, Mustafa YILDIZ

Pages : 5-7

View : 15 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2007-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Transesophageal echocardiogram is an alternative method to transthoracic echocardiogram. The advantage of this technique over transthoracic echocardiogram is usually clearer images, especially of structures that are difficult to view transthoracicly. In this study, we examined the role of transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. Methods: The study was performed on 20 consecutive critically ill intensive care unit patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(12 men and 8 women; mean age 47.1±2.5 years); in whom transthoracic echocardiography was inadequate. Before inserting the probe, mild to moderate sedation was made with iv midazolam to the patients. Results: At the time of transesophageal echocardiography, 4 patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(%20); with prosthetic valve were being mechanically ventilated. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed without significant complications in all patients. The most frequent indications, in 13 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(%65); patients, was prosthetic valvular thrombus including 10 patients with mitral and 3 patients with aortic prosthetic valve, in 5 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(%25); patients was infective endocarditis, and in 2 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(%10); patients was aortic dissection. Conclusions: Transesophageal echocardiography can be safely performed and has an important role in the diagnosis and management options of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit.
Keywords : Transoesophageal echocardiography, critically ill patients, intensive care unit