Intraoperative transesophageal color flow mapping: initial experience.

Transesophageal Doppler color flow mapping (TEDCFM) is a new ultrasound modality now being developed. It provides a convenient, noninvasive way to image cardiac anatomy and intracardiac blood flow that is applicable to intraoperative use. We describe its use in one normal subject and seven cardiac surgical patients. Blood flow characteristics as visualized by TEDCFM are described for these patients. Transesophageal Doppler color flow mapping provided specific information about the presence, site, and severity of mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and interatrial shunting. Paravalvular leak was detected in one patient after mitral valve replacement. The intimal tear of a type I aortic dissection was located with positive identification of the true and false lumina. A high incidence of mild asymptomatic mitral regurgitation was found in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).