TEE schematic of Doppler mitral inflow velocity

Mitral inflow pattern, with E-wave, A-wave, and DT labeled. This pattern of blood flow can be used to evaluate diastolic function by obtaining a mid-esophageal four-chamber view and applying a pulse-wave Doppler at the tips of the mitral leaflets in diastole. Blood flow in the early diastolic period is the E-wave, and flow in the late phase of filling is the A wave. The A-wave follows atrial contraction. A basic assessment of this inflow pattern is made by obtaining peak E- and A-wave velocities, then measuring the time from peak E-wave to baseline (DT).