30419 Advanced Heart Failure Therapies and Transesophageal Echocardiography

Course overview

Discusses advanced heart failure therapies and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), including heart failure classifications, statistics related to heart failure in the United States, advanced heart failure treatment options and when they are indicated, surgical therapies, indications for TEE, relative and absolute contraindications, potential complications, and patient preparation and post procedural care. Approximately 5.7 million adults in the US have congestive heart failure (CHF), and about 50% of these individuals will die within 5 years of being diagnosed. CHF has a significant economic impact on the healthcare system, costing the nation approximately $30.7 billion annually, including health care services, medications, and lost work days. While there is no cure for CHF, there are various treatment options available for advanced CHF, including medical management, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), mechanical circulatory support, and cardiac transplant, which are considered on a case by case basis depending on specific criteria. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be a useful diagnostic test that can detect problems in the structure and function of the heart, and it is also utilized during surgical procedures to assist the physician by providing important information regarding cardiac function. TEE can provide a clearer and more accurate image than a transthoracic echocardiogram, however, it does not come without risks and patient preparation. Nurses must be aware of the potential risks and procedural care associated with TEE in order to provide safe and competent patient care. This program discusses advanced CHF and treatment options available, as well as TEE and the patient care associated with this procedure.