The association of left atrial volume with exercise capacity in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation.

Background: Left atrial volume and exercise capacity are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk. Decreased exercise capacity is expected when LAV is increased due to its association with abnormal left ventricular filling pressure. However, LAV enlargement is expected in chronic mitral regurgitation as well.

The impact of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in infective endocarditis.

Background: [corrected] The use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram in patients with infective endocarditis is usually reserved for cases of inadequate preoperative testing or suspected extension to perivalvular tissue.

Objectives: To explore the impact of routine intraoperative TEE in patients with infective endocarditis.

Methods: The impact of intraoperative TEE on the operative plan, anatomic-physiologic results, and hemodynamic assessment or de-airing was analyzed in 59 patients (38 males, 21 females, mean age 57.

Relation of tricuspid inflow E-wave peak velocity to severity of tricuspid regurgitation.

E-wave velocity in mitral flow has previously been shown to discriminate between severe and nonsevere mitral regurgitation. In this study, we sought to explore this association in the tricuspid position. The peak velocity of the tricuspid inflow E wave was measured in 118 patients (mean age 62 +/- 16.

Impact of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in patients undergoing valve replacement.

Background: The role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (IOTEE) in valve replacement surgery is not well established. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of immediate postpump IOTEE in valve replacement surgery at a single tertiary medical center.

Methods: The departmental database was screened for valve replacement operations (mechanical or bioprosthetic valves) performed during a 55-month period that were succeeded by immediate postpump IOTEE.