Impact of three-dimensional echocardiography in valvular heart disease

Abstract

Developments in the field of 3D ultrasound imaging have allowed better qualitative assessment of valvular structures. The addition of color flow Doppler to the 3D imaging has provided improved visualization of regurgitant lesions and holds great promise for improved quantitative assessment of such lesions. The ongoing miniaturization of transducers and improvements in hardware and software components of ultrasound systems will certainly enhance both the ease of image acquisition as well as image quality, which should result in more precise quantitation of valvular dysfunction. However, clinical benefits of 3D echocardiography are yet to be demonstrated in properly conducted clinical trials, which are needed for wider acceptance of this technique.

Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Valvular Heart Disease

“…The exact sites of leaflet prolapse and chordae rupture is well visualized by 3DTTE 70 . These can be accurately depicted from the right atrial surgical view to help in the surgical planning 71 …”

Feasibility and clinical decision-making with 3D echocardiography in routine practice

“…These observations have extended to people with both normal and abnormal LV morphology,6 with an accuracy comparable to cardiac MRI and exceeding that of nuclear techniques 7. Despite these findings, the clinical feasibility of RT-3DE in routine practice and its incremental benefit over 2DE in terms of clinical decision-making are undefined 8 9. In this study, we sought to evaluate the feasibility and potential clinical impact of accurate measurement of LV volumes and EF by 3DE compared to 2DE.…”

Live 3D TEE Demonstrates and Guides the Management of Prosthetic Mitral Valve Obstruction

“…Recent advances in the field of echocardiography have improved the visualization of cardiac and valvular structures, particularly with respect to mitral valve anatomy, function, and pathology. Live 3D echocardiography is becoming the gold standard method for evaluating native mitral valves 1 . It provides a more nuanced image of the valve anatomy facilitating communication and planning with the cardiothoracic surgeons 2, 3 .…”