Does a New Ultrasound Flow Modality Improve Visualization of Neonatal Pulmonary Veins?

Abstract

Blood flow imaging may improve the visualization of the pulmonary veins in neonates.

Blood Flow Imaging in Transesophageal Echocardiography during Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Comparison with the Current References

“…We have previously found that TTE with the new flow imaging technique BFI may improve the visualization of interatrial blood flow in children and the PV in neonates. 18,19 In this transesophageal echo study, we compared this technique with the current reference methods for ASD sizing BSD and PV imaging (pulmonary angiography). We have described and quantified the agreement between the corresponding BSD and BFI ASD measurements and assessed repeatability of BFI measurements.…”

“…In its current implementation, the method BFI is limited to imaging shallow depths (<10 cm), suitable for instance for vascular imaging and imaging in pediatric cardiology. 18,19,28 However, getting closer to the heart through the esophagus implies that the method should also have potential for cardiac imaging in adults using TEE. Our study had a variation in patient size from 6.2 to 67.5 kg which demonstrates this potential.…”

“…We have previously found that TTE with the new flow imaging technique BFI may improve the visualization of interatrial blood flow in children and the PV in neonates . In this transesophageal echo study, we compared this technique with the current reference methods for ASD sizing BSD and PV imaging (pulmonary angiography).…”

“…Previous reports using BFI in comparison with CDI in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (GE Vingmed Vivid 7, GE Vingmed, Horten, Norway) with GE M4S and GE 7S cardiac probes (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) has shown better visualization of flow both through the ASD and in the mapping of PV. 18,19 The aim of this study was to compare the new method BFI with current references in ASD sizing (balloon stretched diameter [BSD]) and PV imaging (pulmonary angiography) for a complete assessment of ASD, and for the first time transesophageally. The inclusion criteria in the study were children aged 0-16 years with isolated secundum ASD accepted for interventional ASD closure.…”