[A simplified method for estimating mitral valve area by Doppler].

Based upon geometrical considerations we have developed a new method for estimation of valve area in patients with mitral stenosis. A special ruler enables us to read the valve area from the Doppler record. We prove that our new method is more precise and rapid than original Hatle's procedure. In 35 patients, we found a good correlation between the result of our method and the valve area obtained by 2D-Echo. Thus the new method is very useful for Doppler evaluation of mitral stenosis patients.