Pediheart Podcast # 94: Use Of An "Echo Pause" For Postoperative Transthoracic Echocardiographic Surveillance

Summary: This week we review a work that aimed to improve the thoughtfulness of echocardiography usage in the postoperative period after congenital heart surgery. Dr. Kelly Cox and colleagues report on the use of a 'checklist' type 'pause' aimed at making certain that the ordering team in the CVICU are making an informed decision regarding the need for a new echocardiogram. How often should postoperative studies be performed? How often did the 'fluid check' actually show fluid? These are amongst the many questions we post to Professor Cox who presently works at Lurie Children's Hospital - Northwestern University. doi: 10.1111/echo.1450