Ventriculoatrial shunt distal catheter placement using transesophageal echocardiography: technical note.

McGrail, K M; Muzzi, D A; Losasso, T J; Meyer, F B · Neurosurgery · 1992

other · Level V

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Abstract

Accurate placement of the distal end of a ventriculoatrial shunt at the cavo-atrial junction is important for long-term shunt function as well as for avoiding cardiac arrhythmias, thrombus formation, and damage to myocardial tissue. Standard methods of intraoperative localization, including chest x-ray, pressure measurements, and electrocardiogram recording, can be inaccurate. By using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, the distal end of the catheter can be localized to the cavo-atrial junction.

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