A three-dimensional echocardiographic comparison of a deep pericardial stitch versus an apical suction device for heart positioning during beating heart surgery.

Background: Heart positioning during beating heart surgery produces significant haemodynamic compromise either when a deep pericardial stitch (DPS) or apical suction devices (ApSDs) are used. In this study the two techniques' haemodynamic performance and effect on intracardiac structures were compared through transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) obtained volume measurements and three-dimensional ventricular and mitral valve computer reconstructions.

Methods: Sequential 0 degrees to 180 degrees TEE images of the left heart were obtained in 10 patients undergoing beating heart surgery.