Using a simplified echocardiography technique during high-risk heart surgeries

Establishment and Verification of Clinical Thinking Flowchart of Rescue Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Perioperative Patients in Intensive and Critical Status

Not applicable Interventional Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT05960552

This study is testing a simpler way to use echocardiography during risky heart surgeries to see if it helps doctors find heart problems more effectively than the usual method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment6 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT05960552 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the diagnostic efficiency of a simplified transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) sequence called PReTEE, which combines three specific views to identify cardiac pathologies during challenging cardiopulmonary bypass separations in high-risk cardiac surgery patients. The trial involves junior TEE operators who will be randomly assigned to either the PReTEE group or a conventional TEE group. A total of 46 TEE examinations will be conducted, with each patient being assessed by multiple operators to ensure comprehensive evaluation. The goal is to determine if the simplified approach improves diagnostic outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing high-risk cardiac surgeries with specific cardiac conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with esophageal pathologies or those requiring non-elective cardiac procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the accuracy of cardiac assessments during critical surgical procedures, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific simplified technique is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age of 18 yr and greater;
2. High-risk cardiac surgery (one of the followings): Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction \< 50%, Coronary artery bypass graft combined with valve procedures, Multiple valve procedures (≥ 2), Aortic root or arch involved, Euroscore \> 6, Previous cardiovascular surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Lack of patient consent;
2. Esophageal pathology (stricture, tumor, perforation/laceration, ulcer or fistula, diverticulum);
3. Hiatus hernia; Perforated viscus;
4. Active/recent upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed;
5. Non-elective cardiac procedures;
6. Preoperative mechanical cardiac support (ECMO, LVAD or IABP)

Where this trial is running

Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Transesophageal EchocardiographySurgeryRescue
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.