Transesophageal Device Helps Assess Cardiac Performance

The disposable probe is the size of a nasogastric tube, and uses a high frequency (7 MHz) ultrasound signal for resolution combined with a 15 cm depth of penetration, offering both color flow and B imaging modes. It provides data about cardiac filling pressures, function, and the presence of effusion or tamponade, and by obtaining serial views it can also be used to monitor changes following administration of fluids or inotropic agents.

The flexibility of the probe is based on a bending section, called AdaptaFlex, which enables the distal tip to conform to a variety of anatomical variations, allowing ease of positioning and rapid image acquisition when imaging the trans-gastric short axis view of the left ventricle. While not designed to be a replacement for intra-operative monitoring, the ClariTEE extends the hemodynamic assessment capabilities of TEE from the operating room to the intensive care unit (ICU) in postcardiac surgery patients, and provides new hemodynamic management capabilities in noncardiac surgical patients. The ClariTEE probe is a product of ImaCor (Garden City, NY, USA.

“ClariTEE is the world’s only miniaturized, disposable TEE probe that can lay in-dwelling for 72 hours, which is essential for initial resuscitation and subsequent patient management while medical interventions are made,” said Peter Pellerito, president and CEO of ImaCor. “Seamless integration of ultrasound is the future of critical care.”

A TEE uses a specialized probe containing an ultrasound transducer at its tip that is passed into the patient's esophagus. The advantages over a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) include clearer images, especially of structures that are difficult to view transthoracicly. The explanation for this is that the heart rests directly upon the esophagus, leaving only millimeters that the ultrasound beam has to travel. This reduces the attenuation of the ultrasound signal, generating a stronger return signal, thus ultimately enhancing image and Doppler quality.

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