Intracardiac Transvenous Echocardiography Is Superior to Both Precordial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography Techniques for Detecting Venous Air Embolism and Catheter-Guided Air Aspiration

Abstract

Small air emboli are detected by ICE with much greater sensitivity compared with both PCD and TEE techniques. Furthermore, recovery of embolized air is enhanced by image-guided manipulation of a multiorifice central venous catheter. Clinical studies are required to assess this technique during surgery with patients in the sitting position.