The emerging role of three-dimensional echocardiography in mitral valve repair

Although three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is still in its evolution, cutting edge advances that allow quantifiable images of cardiac structures to be created in real-time will begin to increase its use drastically. One of the most promising uses of the technology is in the planning, optimization, and postoperative surveillance of mitral valve repair techniques and devices. This article reviews the development of 3D echocardiography and presents illustrations of how it may be applied to improving mitral valve repair techniques. It is conceivable in the near future that mitral repair procedures will be designed and customized for each patient preoperatively using data obtained from 3D echo images and computerized virtual surgery techniques. Such tools will allow the surgeon to design operations that thoroughly analyze valve geometry and stress distribution before ever entering the operating room.