Advantages of Transesophageal Echocardiography during Stent Grafting for Aortic Dissection: A Report of Three Cases.

We report the cases of three patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection in which transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used to guide the procedure in addition to fluoroscopy. TEE was found to be advantageous because it can visualize vascular structures along with the guidewire and devices. Furthermore, it provides real-time hemodynamic and hematological information without the need for contrast injection or radiation exposure. Although TEE assessment requires expertise, the efficient use of TEE appears to be helpful for further improving the outcomes of endovascular surgery for aortic dissection.