Paradoxical symptomatic air embolism after saline contrast transesophageal echocardiography

We describe one case of paradoxical air embolism after contrast transesophageal echocardiography realized to detect a patent foramen ovale. At the end of this procedure, the patient presented a left lateral homonymous hemianopsia attributed to air embolism. Total recovery was obtained after one therapeutic recompression.     

Initial experience with live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

A new tool has been recently introduced to the echocardiography armamentarium, live/real time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). In these cases, we describe our initial experience in 13 patients studied intraoperatively and in the echocardiography suite. This important technology promises improved anatomic definition, diagnostic confidence, and novel views of the complicated cardiovascular pathology encountered in common clinical practice.     

经食道心脏超声探测冠状动脉的初步临床研究

以经食道心脏超声技术对一系列110例心脏病患者试行探测冠状动脉,其中15例行同期选择性冠状动脉造影作为对照.结果为,经食道心脏超声探测到左冠状动脉103例(93.6%),右冠状动脉100例(90.9%).探测的冠状动脉内径或左冠脉主干长度与前人报道相似.提示经食道心脏超声为一有价值、无创伤、无放射线性冠状动脉解剖学诊断新技术.     

Transesophageal echocardiography probe shutdown in a patient with hyperthermia

The use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been increasing over the past few years. It is considered a semi-invasive monitor and a safe diagnostic device. Though complications are rare, they must be known to operators who frequently perform TEE. TEE probes are known to cause tissue heating and damage on prolonged use. In this case report, we describe shutdown of the transesophageal probe in our patient with high-grade fever.