Application of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography using a matrix array probe for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of real-time three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) using a matrix array 3D transesophageal echocardiographic probe for morphologic evaluation and guidance of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs).


METHODS
Forty-eight consecutive patients scheduled for the intervention were included. Two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) and RT3D-TEE were performed before and during the procedures. Measurements of maximal ASD diameter and surrounding rims obtained on RT3D-TEE were compared with those obtained on 2D-TEE.


RESULTS
In 46 patients (96%), optimal 3D images for the morphologic evaluation of ASDs were obtained. RT3D-TEE facilitated the evaluation of ASD morphology and surrounding rims and was able to provide intraprocedural information clearly. A Bland-Altman plot showed a mean maximal diameter difference of -0.12 mm between the means (95% limits of agreement, -2.2 to 2.5 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
RT3D-TEE is a clinically useful, complementary option to 2D-TEE for evaluation of ASD morphology and for interventional guidance.
Taniguchi
Manabu
M
Cardiac Care Unit, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan. tmnb@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Akagi
Teiji
T
Watanabe
Nobuhisa
N
Okamoto
Yoshio
Y
Nakagawa
Koji
K
Kijima
Yasufumi
Y
Toh
Norihisa
N
Ohtsuki
Shinichi
S
Kusano
Kengo
K
Sano
Shunji
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D021721:Balloon Occlusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D003199:Computer Systems; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014159:Transducers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult