The Evolution and Future of Spinal Drains for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Review.

For decades, spinal drains for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure monitoring and drainage have been used as adjuncts to protect against spinal cord injury resulting from thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. There are many different approaches to placement and management of CSF drains, with no true consensus on best practice. Furthermore, the incidence of complications resulting from spinal drains largely has been stagnant. This review describes the history and rationale behind placement of CSF drains, explore various considerations, techniques, and equipment, and discuss potential considerations for developing more comprehensive protocols.

Comparison of Left Atrial Measurements Using 2- and 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlation between left atrial measurements using 2- and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: Single, tertiary care, academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 63 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. INTERVENTIONS: In addition to the standard comprehensive intraoperative transesophageal examination, study images were obtained by designated anesthesiologists from the study team. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography views included 4-chamber, 2-chamber, aortic valve short axis, and aortic valve long axis. For the 3-dimensional images, full-volume (90 × 90) data sets were acquired from 4-chamber and aortic valve short-axis views over 4 beats with apnea. Left atrial height, mediolateral length, anteroposterior length, and area were measured in 2- and 3-dimensional images. Left atrial length in the short- and long-axis views of the aortic valve also were measured in 2- and 3-dimensional images. Results indicate that for all patients in this study, the 2- and 3-dimensional measurements correlate well and the 2 observers were in agreement with each other. CONCLUSIONS: Two- and 3-dimensional measurements of the left atrium correlated well. Measurements made using 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography were subject to similar limitations as those made using 2-dimensional echocardiography. The benefits of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and multiplanar reconstruction could be expanded by improvements in ultrasound technology and software.