Severe aortic regurgitation

Midesophageal TEE color Doppler flow images of a patient with severe aortic regurgitation. In the TEE AV SAX image (panel A), color Doppler flow imaging demonstrates regurgitant flow at the central coaptation point of the AV cusps in diastole. In the TEE AV LAX image (panel B), color Doppler flow imaging showed an eccentric regurgitant jet from the AV into the left ventricular outflow track and left ventricle during diastole. Antegrade delivery of cardioplegia into the aortic root is not possible in patients with severe aortic regurgitation. Patients with severe aortic regurgitation are also at risk for left ventricular dilation or distension during CPB when the ascending aorta is not cross clamped.