Initial Experience With ImaCor hTEE-Guided Management of Patients Following Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support

Abstract

This study reviews an initial experience using a miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe (ImaCor, Garden City, NY) with 3 patients in whom Imacor hTEE intervention was used as a point-of-care device to manage extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula placement, cardiac hemodynamics, and postoperative cardiac pathophysiology. The management of transplant or mechanical circulatory support (MCS) patients is especially challenging: Transplanted hearts pose unique pathophysiological challenges, and MCS significantly alters pressure–volume–flow relationships. Real-time “hemodynamic” TEE (hTEE) can help provide effective management by direct visualization of cardiac filling and function and help guide hemodynamic management. In the authors’ initial experience, hTEE can provide point-of-care management following transplant or MCS.