3D-TEE for Measurement of the Aortic Annulus: a Review of the Literature and Step-By-Step Approach to an Essential Skill

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the measurement of the virtual aortic annulus using 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). New software developments have allowed increased utility of 3D-TEE for aortic annulus analysis. 3D-TEE remains an alternative to multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for measurement of the aortic annulus prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but has been hampered by lack of semi-automated or automated technology. Automated software programs for 3D-TEE analysis of the aortic annulus are increasingly being developed to increase the ability for a wide array of users to perform pre-TAVR annulus analysis.