Importance of Transesophageal Echocardiography for Stroke Prevention in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery - Case Report

Abstract

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become routine during cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesia. It plays a key role in surgical planning and provides vital hemodynamic information intraoperatively. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old female undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, in which an intraoperative TEE was performed. Subsequently, a left atrial appendage thrombus was discovered. The case was postponed allowing for adequate anticoagulation. Successful CABG was performed after outpatient TEE determined the resolution of the left atrial appendage thrombus. Conclusions: The use of TEE intraoperatively stresses the importance of stroke prevention in patients undergoing high-risk surgeries.