Accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography in the identification of postoperative intramural ventricular septal defects [1]
This single institution study evaluated the accuracy of intraoperative TEE to identify residual intramural ventricular septal defects after repair of conotruncal defects. Intramural VSDs occurred in 10% of 337 pts; postoperative TTE identified all, intraoperative TEE identified 19. Of abnormalities requiring catheterization or reoperation, 6 of 7 were identified by TEE. Intraoperative TEE has most value in identfying defects that require reintervention.
Commentary: http://www.jtcvsonline.org/article/S0022-5223(16)30272-0/fulltext [3]