Value of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance in minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery

The role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has increased tremendously since its first use in 1979. Today intraoperative TEE is a class I indication for surgical mitral valve reconstruction for evaluation of mitral valve pathology, graduation of mitral regurgitation and detection of potential risk factors as well as post-repair assessment. Real-time three-dimensional TEE offers anatomical visualization of the mitral valve apparatus, fundamental for virtual surgical planning of proper annuloplasty ring size. As minimally invasive and even off-pump techniques for mitral valve repair become more popular, image guidance by intraoperative TEE will play an essential role.