To evaluate the value of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the diagnosis of mitral valve structure in mitral valve prolapse, the significance of determining the prosthetic mitral valve ring size in the surgical treatment and the evaluation of immediate postoperative effect.

From November 2016 to March 2017, 19 patients with mitral prolapse performed with surgical treatment were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography at the echocardiography and vascular ultrasound center in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. All 19 patients underwent real-time three-dimensional TEE examination after anesthesia and before cardiopulmonary bypass. When the heart was recovered immediately after the operation, TEE was performed again to check the valve and the images were recorded in real time. During the whole examination, the images were observed by sonologists, surgeons and anesthesiologists, and the sonographic results were compared with the intraoperative findings. Totally 19 patients with moderate to severe mitral valve prolapse were examined and measured with real time three-dimensional ultrasound reconstruction. The mitral valve and tendons were observed and the mitral valve ring, the length of the valve and the diameter of the fiber triangle were measured.

Intraoperative TEE examination could clearly display the anatomical structure and movement of mitral valve, annulus, chordae tendineae and papillary muscles from any angle. Real time observation of mitral valve thickness, mobility, calcification, vegetations and chordae tendineae rupture was effective. It was able to diagnose the thrombosis and patent foramen ovale. In the 19 patients, the TEE diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse was almost consistent with operative findings, and P2 was the most common area. The etiology was detected in 15 cases caused by rupture of mitral chordae tendineae, which was consistent with operative findings, and the accuracy rate was 100%. The size of the prosthetic ring provided by TEE in 14 cases was consistent with operative findings among 19 patients. The accuracy rate was 73.7% (4/9). Four cases were selected 1 size down than TEE, and 1 case was selected 1 size up than TEE.

The application of real-time three-dimensional ultrasound reconstruction can objectively reflect the pathogeny and pathological changes of prolapse, and provide a visual stereoscopic image, which is of great reference value for the formulation of the operation scheme. It also provides a basis for selecting the size of the forming ring and saves the operative time. It has practical clinical guiding significance. The function of the autologous valve is evaluated immediately after the operation, and the ventricular wall movement and left ventricular systolic function are detected in real time, and the left heart gas could be monitored. It is helpful to the intraoperative monitoring of the anesthesiologist and increase the success rate of the operation.