The use of the SonoSite ultrasound device for intraoperative evaluation of the aorta.
OBJECTIVE
Neurologic complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. Risk factors for neurologic injuries include the presence of atheromatous disease in the aorta. Epiaortic ultrasound has been shown to be superior in detecting the extent and location of atheromatous disease. The SonoSite Corporation (Bothell, WA) has recently introduced an affordable, portable, high-resolution ultrasound device. This new device was compared with the Hewlett-Packard Sonos 5550 ultrasound device (currently manufactured by Philips, Andover, MA) to determine suitability for this purpose.


METHODS
Prospective, serial comparison of 2 devices.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive cardiac surgery patients.


METHODS
Intraoperative epiaortic ultrasound images were obtained using a SonoSite 180 Plus ultrasound device and a Hewlett-Packard Sonos 5500 ultrasound device. Three observers graded recorded images based on extent of atheromatous disease.


RESULTS
Two patients were excluded because of errors in recording images. For the 48 remaining patients, consensus (median) grades had an observed agreement of 93.6% compared with a chance agreement of 67.7%. This correlates to a kappa value of 0.80 or near-excellent agreement.


CONCLUSIONS
The near-excellent agreement of the 2 devices is acceptable, thus providing a unique opportunity to expand the use of epiaortic ultrasound imaging.
Staples
James R
JR
Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA. james_staples@emoryhealthcare.org
Tanaka
Kenichi A
KA
Shanewise
Jack S
JS
Glas
Kathryn E
KE
Merlino
John D
JD
Cooper
William A
WA
Puskas
John D
JD
Lattouf
Omar M
OM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index