Echocardiography in cardiac anaesthesia and intensive care

SummaryEchocardiography or cardiac ultrasound has long been established as an important cardiac imaging technique for acquiring real-time information about cardiac anatomy and function. The technological aspect of this cardiac ultrasound platform continues to evolve, recent developments such as real-time 3D scanning are currently being assimilated into clinical practice first in transthoracic scanning and now in transoesophageal scanning. Echocardiography use is migrating across patient populations and different specialities – there is currently much discussion on how best to adopt the technique for the general intensive care unit. Cardiac assessment and monitoring have always been an essential part of the management of the patient undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiothoracic intensive care (CTICU). Echocardiography additionally gives a diagnostic benefit and provides an immediate point of care assessment of surgical procedures. High quality training programmes are essential for the recognition and acceptance of the anaesthetist or intensivist echocardiographer. This review covers the more recent clinical aspects, training issues, technological advances and future developments in relation to these areas.