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Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 4/2018

01-04-2018 | Review Article/Brief Review

Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of the heart and great vessels

Authors: André Y. Denault, MD, PhD, Stéphane Langevin, MD, Martin R. Lessard, MD, Jean Francois Courval, MD, Georges Desjardins, MD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 4/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

Transthoracic examination of the heart and great vessels is an essential skill that allows the anesthesiologist to evaluate cardiac function. In this article, we describe a pragmatic technique to obtain the essential views to evaluate normal or abnormal cardiac function and to appreciate great vessel anatomy and physiology.

Principal findings

The cardiac anatomy and function can be described using standard parasternal, apical, and subcostal views. These windows can also be used to assess the aorta, pulmonary artery, and vena cavae; however, other transthoracic and abdominal windows can be used to complete the evaluation of the great vessels.

Conclusions

The integration of the echocardiographic information particularly from the heart and great vessels with the case story, physical examination, laboratory data, and other relevant clinical information should become the way of the future, and this will benefit the patients under our care.
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Metadata
Title
Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of the heart and great vessels
Authors
André Y. Denault, MD, PhD
Stéphane Langevin, MD
Martin R. Lessard, MD
Jean Francois Courval, MD
Georges Desjardins, MD
Publication date
01-04-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-018-1068-4

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