Article description

Summary:

• The article aimed to assess the intraoperative use of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in cardiac surgical centres
• Online questionnaire survey;
• Two hundred thirty-nine respondents from 44 countries (27% of the total 903 EACTAIC members).
• 59% of the respondents were TEE certified by international bodies, whereas 68% of respondents did not have formal 3D TEE training,
• 8% did not have access to 3D machines, 40% had one for each operating room, whereas 33% had only one for the entire block.
• 3D TEE was most frequently used for mitral valve surgery, followed by mitral and tricuspid clip procedures and other valve interventions.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative 3D TEE was used mainly in mitral valve surgery, followed by other valve surgeries and transcatheter procedures.
• 3D machine availability, trained personnel, and limited time to perform TEE in the operating room may impact its use.
• Educational opportunities in 3D TEE training may further increase its routine use.