The role of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in mitral valve repair

Objective To investigate the value of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(RT-3DTEE) in mitral valve repair. Methods RT-3DTEE was performed in six patients[5 male,1 female,mean age (45.7±12.6)years] with mitral valve prolapse by using Philips IE33 with X7-2t probe.Preoperative RT-3DTEE studies were compared with surgical findings in patients undergoing surgical repair. Results RT-3DTEE could display dynamic morphology of mitral valve,the location of prolapse,and spatial relation tO the surrounding tissues.It could provide surgical views of the valves and the valvular apparatus.RT-3DTEE results were consistant with surgical findings.Conclusions RT-3DTEE is a unique new modality for rapid and accurate evaluation of mitral prolapse and mittal repair. Key words: Echocardiography,transesophageal; Echocardiography,real-time three-dimensional; Mitral valve prolapse