Two-dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Study
TTE was performed and evaluated by two expert echocardiographers
following the recommendations for cardiac chamber
quantification16 and evaluation of valve
prostheses17. A Phillips EPIC 7 (Philips, Andover
Massachusetts) ultrasound was used with an S5-1 (1-5 MHz) transducer.
The EOA of the PrAV (aortic valve prosthesis) was calculated employing
the continuity equation. The peak velocity (Pvel) and mean Gradient (MG)
of the PrVA were obtained in a 5-chamber projection. The pulmonary
artery (PSAP) was calculated by adding the right atrium (RA) pressure to
the maximum Gradient of tricuspid regurgitation.