Buckled Micro-Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe During Patent Foramen Ovale Closure

As transcatheter cardiac treatment options continue to increase in number, most hospitals are forced to find solutions for sparse anaesthesia resources. Conscious sedation with the help of a micro-transoesophageal echocardiography (micro TEE) probe can be considered in some procedures. However, new methods can induce unexpected problems. Here, we report 2 cases of buckled micro TEE probes under patent foramen oval closure. Fluoroscopy revealed different mechanisms of buckling in our patients. Esophageal buckling was solved by advancing the micro TEE probe to the ventricle, whereas pharyngeal buckling was solved by careful retracting and straightening of the micro TEE probe in the pharynx.