Epicardial Echo Probe
Epiaortic Ultrasound Probe · Epiaortic Probe · Epicardial Echocardiography Probe · Intraoperative Ultrasound Transducer
A small ultrasound transducer on a long cord that plugs into the echo machine. Probes made for this work are compact, often with an L-shaped tip that lies flat on the heart or aorta.
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
Placed directly on the heart (epicardial echo) or on the ascending aorta (epiaortic scan) to see inside during open heart surgery. Epicardial echo is used alongside TEE or instead of it when a TEE probe cannot be passed. The epiaortic scan maps plaquePLAKA deposit that builds up on a surface in the body, such as a sticky film of bacteria on teeth or a fatty buildup in an artery wall.Full entry in the aorta so the surgeon can choose safe places to cannulate and clamp.
Lengths and variants
High frequency probes are used: 5 to 12 MHz for epicardial echo and 7 MHz or more for the aorta. Either a regular transthoracic probe or a probe made for the aorta, in linear or phased array, can be used.
What experienced techs know
What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro
Through the case
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- During the case
Caution
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- After the case
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6 sources
- Reeves ST, Glas KE, Eltzschig H, et al. Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Epicardial Echocardiography Examination. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2007
- 20(4) (Epicardial probe preparation): asecho.org
- Glas KE, Swaminathan M, Reeves ST, et al. Guidelines for the Performance of a Comprehensive Intraoperative Epiaortic Ultrasonographic Examination. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2007
- 20(11) (Ultrasound probe): asecho.org
- Khonsari S, Sintek CF. Cardiac Surgery: Safeguards and Pitfalls in Operative Technique. 4th ed. Chapter 5 (Surgery of the Aortic Valve), p. 78 and Chapter 9 (Surgery for Coronary Disease), p. 168
- philips.co.il
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