[Intraoperative use of three-dimensional echocardiography : A survey of German hospitals].

Background: Since the introduction of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) in 2007, the technique has been incorporated into the guidelines of both national and international societies for intraoperative and peri-interventional TEE examinations. It is recommended for most cardiac surgical procedures and interventional transcatheter interventions but the actual use in the clinical routine has not been investigated.

Objective: Despite its growing adoption, data on the clinical application of 3D-TEE remains limited.

Intraoperative and Intraprocedural Use of 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography: An International European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care Survey of Cardiac Surgical Centers.

Objective: To assess the intraoperative use of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in cardiac surgical centers, the authors created a survey aimed at evaluating the availability of equipment and the use of 3D TEE for specific surgical and interventional procedures and single-image modalities. The respondents were asked to identify the perceived impact on patient management and current limitations to its routine use.

Design: A multiple choice 25-question online survey submitted to the members of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Intensive Care (EACTAIC) on December 6, 2021, and closed on January 31, 2022.