Role of Echocardiography for the Perioperative Assessment of the Right Ventricle

Purpose of Review This review aims to highlight the perioperative echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular (RV) function with strengths and limitations of commonly used and evolving techniques. It explains the value of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and describes the perioperative changes of RV function echocardiographers should be aware of. Recent Findings RV dysfunction is an entity with strong influence on outcome. However, its definition and assessment in the perioperative interval are not well-defined. Moreover, values assessed by TTE and TEE are not interchangeable; while some parameters seem to correlate well, others do not. Myocardial strain analysis and three-dimensional echocardiography may overcome the limitations of conventional echocardiographic measures and provide further insight into perioperative cardiac mechanics. Echocardiography has become an essential part of modern anesthesiology in patients with RV dysfunction. It offers the opportunity to evaluate not only global but also regional RV function and distinguish alterations of RV contraction.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the perioperative echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function, emphasizing the importance of different techniques such as transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. It also discusses the challenges in defining and assessing RV dysfunction during the perioperative period, highlighting the potential of newer techniques like myocardial strain analysis and three-dimensional echocardiography to provide more comprehensive insights. Ultimately, echocardiography plays a crucial role in assessing RV dysfunction in modern anesthesiology, allowing for evaluation of both global and regional RV function and detecting changes in RV contraction.