Predictive value of intraoperative diagnosis of residual ventricular septal defects by transesophageal echocardiography.

Background: Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (IOTEE) is well established as a monitoring tool during ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair to ensure complete closure of the defect. Residual shunts detected by IOTEE are common. The predictive value of IOTEE findings on the long-term course of residual shunts is not well documented, especially in regard to the need for reoperation or bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis.