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. 2024 Apr 3;11(1):8.
doi: 10.1186/s44156-024-00044-1.

Role and application of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of left and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: a UK nationwide survey

Liam Corbett  1 , Patrick O'Driscoll  2 , Maria Paton  3 , David Oxborough  4 , Elena Surkova  5   6
Affiliations

Role and application of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of left and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: a UK nationwide survey

Liam Corbett et al. Echo Res Pract. .

Abstract

Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) imaging has permitted advancements in the quantification of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes and ejection fraction. We evaluated the availability of 3DE equipment / analysis software, the integration of 3DE assessment of the LV and RV in routine clinical practice, current training provisions in 3DE, and aimed to ascertain barriers preventing the routine use of 3DE for volumetric analysis. Through the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) regional representatives' network, echocardiographers were invited to participate in an open online survey. A total of 181 participants from echocardiography departments in the United Kingdom (UK), the majority from tertiary centres (61%), completed the 28-question survey. For 3DE quantification, 3DE-LV was adopted more frequently than 3DE-RV (48% vs 11%, respectively). Imaging feasibility was a recognised factor in 3DE RV and LV adoption. Many respondents had access to 3D probes (93%). The largest observed barriers to 3DE routine use were training deficiencies, with 83% reporting they would benefit from additional training opportunities and the duration of time permitted for the scan, with 68% of responders reporting allowances of less than the BSE standard of 45-60 min per patient (8% < 30-min). Furthermore, of those respondents who had undertaken professional accreditation, competence in 3DE was not formally assessed in 89%. This UK survey also reported good accessibility to magnetic resonance imaging (72%), which was related to overall 3DE adoption. In summary, although 3DE is now readily available, it remains underutilised. Further training opportunities, integrated formal assessment, improved adoption of BSE minimum recommended scanning times, alongside industry and societal support, may increase 3DE utilisation in routine practice.

Keywords: 3D echocardiography; Chamber quantification; Ejection fraction; Left ventricle; Right ventricle; Survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

ES reports speaker honoraria from GE Healthcare, 123sonography and is an employee of AstraZeneca since June 2023. Other co-authors have no COI to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Geographic location and percentage of respondents
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Time allocated to scan and report a TTE exam
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Methods of assessing LV function in routine TTE
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Proportion of respondents able to acquire 3DE LV full volume datasets in 0%, < 30%, 30–50%, 51–70% and > 70% of their patients
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Methods of assessing RV function in routine TTE
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Proportion of respondents able to acquire 3DE RV full volume datasets in 0%, < 30%, 30–50%, 51–70% and > 70% of their patients
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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