Transesophageal echocardiography and the perioperative management of valvular heart disease.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an integral part of decision-making and monitoring in the perioperative period for patients undergoing valvular heart surgery. Multiplanar probes with improved pre- and intraoperative evaluation, eg, improved accuracy of estimation of mitral regurgitation jet size, have led to a more precise surgical approach. In the intensive care unit, TEE is proving invaluable in diagnosing occult causes of clinical instability that are usually surgically correctable. Advances in imaging technology with three- and four-dimensional TEE will facilitate preoperative decision-making, determine intraoperative approaches to valvular surgery, and provide earlier recognition of complications in the intensive care unit.