6 Assessment of native valve function and repair

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is an important tool used to investigate closely all cardiac valves. With respect to cardiac valvular surgery, TOE has gained a most important place as an intraoperative diagnostic and monitoring technique. In this chapter, both mitral and aortic valvular disease with respect to intraoperative management will be discussed. Repair of the mitral valve is another important issue in modern cardiac surgery. Accurate and meticulous assessment of the mitral valve morphology and function by means of multiplane TOE provides a crucial asset for the cardiac surgeon during and after repair of the valve, improving outcome and reducing costs.