Accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography in the identification of postoperative intramural ventricular septal defects

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