Epiaortic Ultrasound Assessment of the Thoracic Aorta in Cardiac Surgery

A considerable burden of cerebral embolism in association with cardiac surgery reflects dislodgement of aortic atheroma caused by manipulating the aorta during a surgical procedure (Barbut and Gold 1996; Van Zaane, Zuithoff et al. 2008; Whitley and Glas 2008; Yamaguchi, Adachi et al. 2009). It clearly makes logical sense to identify and attempt to avoid dislodgement of aortic atheroma. This strategy depends on two key elements; the accurate detection of atheroma in the aorta, and the surgeons ability to avoid or otherwise minimise manipulation of atheromatous disease.