Using aortic arch short axis views during transesophageal
echocardiographic examination facilitates right ventricular assist
device imaging
Abstract
Given the increased need for mechanical circulatory support and
subsequent development of right ventricular assist devices (RVAD),
appropriate imaging needs to be described to facilitate care in patients
with cardiogenic shock and heart failure. We present three cases in
which the upper esophageal aortic arch short axis (UE AA SAX) view on
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was utilized to effectively image
RVADs: to confirm normal positioning, to detect and guide repositioning,
and to visualize malfunction. These cases support the importance of the
UE AA SAX TEE view in RVAD outflow imaging and, when obtainable, should
be included in routine RVAD assessment.