Publication

Abstract : A male patient with a bicuspid aortic valve associated with severe aortic stenosis and a dilated aortic root underwent a Bentall procedure. Apart from the aortic pathology, no other abnormalities were detected by a preoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination. After an otherwise uncomplicated surgical procedure, the patient’s heart was de-aired using standard maneuvers, including manual cardiac agitation and conventional aspiration of the aortic root vent and left ventricular vent inserted during the operation via the superior pulmonary vein. After the de-airing, a hypoechoic structure suggestive of atrial thrombus was seen in the left atrium (LA) using TEE