title: The role of trans-oesophageal echocardiography for perioperative cardiovascular monitoring during orthotopic liver transplantation.
abstract: Patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation frequently display considerable physiological changes during the procedure as a result of both the disease process and the surgery. Anaesthesia is often challenging and relies upon advanced monitoring techniques to provide data pertinent to peri-operative management. Traditionally the pulmonary artery flotation catheter has been regarded as the gold standard for cardiac output and right heart monitoring. This review examines whether trans-oesophageal echocardiography merits a place in the continuing evolution of this technically advanced and challenging anaesthetic field.
authors.affiliation: Featherstone Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom. andrew.burtenshaw1@btinternet.com
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Burtenshaw
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Isaac
mesh_terms: D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D019990:Perioperative Care