Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiovascular Surgery in China.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comprehensive nationwide survey of more than 90% of all cardiovascular hospitals in China to assess the current 2018 status of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) equipment, operating physicians, education, impact on surgery, and reimbursement.

DESIGN

In this nationwide survey, 716 cardiovascular hospitals in mainland China were included. A 15-question electronic survey was sent to these hospitals and the data were received directly from the questionnaire website for analysis.

SETTING

Cardiovascular hospitals in mainland China.

PARTICIPANTS

Departments of anesthesiology in cardiovascular hospitals in mainland China.

INTERVENTIONS

Answer a 15-question survey.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

About 90% of hospitals have acquired machines to perform TEEs with most of the machines controlled by the ultrasound department. Anesthesiologists performed intraoperative TEEs in 45% of the hospitals, but only 15% of the hospitals have anesthesiologists who have met the basic TEE training requirements. Most anesthesiologists (68%) believed TEE significantly contributed to patient care during cardiovascular surgeries. The overwhelming majority of surveyed hospital staff (93%) stated that they were planning to continue or start intraoperative TEE examinations in the future.

CONCLUSION

Many hospitals in China have acquired equipment to perform intraoperative TEE examinations during cardiovascular surgeries. However, the number of anesthesiologists who can perform TEEs independently still is not adequate. Standardized trainings, a formal certification process, and governmental payment model changes must be provided to ensure high-quality TEE services and better surgical outcomes in China.