Interrogation of the aortic valve

Abstract

Transesophageal echocardiographic examination of the aortic valve can provide detailed information on aortic valve structure and function, provided proper technique is utilized. This review presents the current recommendations from the American Society of Echocardiography for the performance of a two-dimensional examination of the aortic valve and for the quantification of aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation by application of Doppler techniques. To demonstrate the applicability of transesophageal echocardiography in clinical practice, the effect of transesophageal echocardiography on the cardiac surgical management of patients with aortic valvular disease is described.