Transesophageal echocardiography in intimal flap fenestration.

ABSTRACT

In selected patients with descending aortic dissection, percutaneous intimal flap fenestration is a less-invasive alternative to surgery. We describe a patient with decreased renal and mesenteric blood flow as a result of descending aortic dissection. Percutaneous balloon intimal fenestration was performed under guidance of transesophageal echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography provided crucial information about the intimal flap puncture site and true- and false-lumen blood flow. After the flap fenestration, false-lumen blood flow increased, and the patient improved clinically.