The Use of Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Echocardiography to Evaluate Origin of Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Regurgitant Jets

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Michael Holmes, Richard Sheu

Abstract

Degradation of bioprosthetic aortic valves can eventually lead to both paravalvular and intravalvular regurgitation. However, differentiating between the two may be difficult in the case of multiple lesions in close proximity or highly eccentric jets. Whereas such exact distinction may be of little procedural significance in open cardiac surgery, it is of crucial importance when approaching such lesions in the catheterization laboratory or hybrid operating room. Interventions on one lesion often have a significant effect on the other. For example, guidewires may damage new bioprosthetic valve leaflets and dislodge vascular plugs. Even more concerning is the possibility of undergoing a lengthy and risky procedure on a lesion that does not truly exist. Fortunately, the use of three-dimensional Doppler echocardiography can expand our vision beyond the single imaging plane of a standard two-dimensional examination, allowing extensive manipulation of cutting planes and a wider field of view. Regurgitant jets can thus be tracked in a way that may be otherwise impossible, better quantifying their true origins. Here the authors present a unique case of misdiagnosis after surgical aortic valve degradation, where the use of intraoperativ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.