[Use of transesophageal echocardiography during implantation of aortic endoprosthesis (stent). Initial experience].
OBJECTIVE
To report the role played by transesophageal echocardiography during implantation of self-expanding aortic endoprostheses (stent) at a hemodynamics laboratory.


METHODS
Thirteen patients underwent stent implantation in the descending thoracic aorta with the aid of transesophageal echocardiography during the entire procedure. Indications for stenting were as follows: 8 aortic dissections, 2 true aneurysms, 2 penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers, and 1 traumatic pseudoaneurysm.


RESULTS
No complications resulting from the use of transesophageal echocardiography were observed. In 12 patients, the initial result was considered appropriate, with total or partial resolution of the major lesion confirmed by a posterior examination. In 1 patient, the procedure was suspended after transesophageal echocardiography and angiography showed that the proximal aortic diameter was inappropriate. Transesophageal echocardiography contributed to clarifying relevant points, such as aortic diameter, anatomic detail of the intimal lesion, and location and size of the communicating orifice. In addition, it facilitated placing the stent in the target lesion, reduced the time of exposure to radiation and the use of contrast medium, and provided rapid identification of intercurrent events, possibly reducing the total duration of the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of transesophageal echocardiography during placement of aortic stents seems appropriate. The actual advantages of the procedure will be defined in a comparative prospective study.
Fischer
C H
CH
Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. c.h.fischer@uol.com.br
Campos Filho
O
O
Palma da Fonseca
J H
JH
Rodrigues Alves
C M
CM
Marcondes Sousa
J A
JA
Bezerra de Lira Filho
E
E
Carvalho
A C
AC
Vincenzo de Paola
A A
AA
Buffolo
E
E
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents