The application value of real-time two-dimensional and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of two-dimensional and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods Eleven patients with severe aortic stenosis and one patient with moderate to severe prosthetic valve regurgitation underwent TAVI in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from May 2010 to December 2015. All patients received two-dimensional and three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examination before surgery, during and after surgery. Results Procedural success was achieved in eleven patients, but one patient died in pericardial tamponade and aortic dissection three days after TAVI. The maximum and minimum diameter of aortic annule, the area of aortic annule and aortic valve were measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and 3DTEE before surgery. All parameters had strong correlations between MDCT and 3DTEE (r=0.98, P<0.01 for maximum diameter; r=0.97, P<0.01 for minimum diameter; r=0.97, P<0.01 for the area of aortic annule; r=0.99, P<0.01 for the area of aortic valve). There were good correlations for the area of aortic valve among MDCT, 3DTEE and equation of continuity (all r=0.99, P<0.01). Conclusion Two-dimensional and three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography can quantify the size of aortic annular and comprehensively evaluate the anatomical structure of aorta rapidly and accurately, which can be used in guiding TAVI and monitoring its complications in real time. Key words: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation; Echocardiography, transesophageal; Echocardiography, three-dimensional