Evaluation of mitral valve repair by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

Background: Mitral valve repair is the procedure of choice in the surgical management of mitral regurgitation. Intraoperative confirmation of successful repair is essential to the effectiveness of this procedure. Aims: The aims of this study were: (a) to compare intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) with the surgeon's assessment of valve competence; (b) to assess the impact of routine intraoperative imaging on the hospital echocardiography laboratory. Methods: Eighty‐six consecutive patients undergoing mitral valve repair formed the study population. Valve competence following repair was assessed intraoperatively by: TOE; saline insufflation of the flaccid left ventricle; an..