[Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in monitoring pulmonary artery catheter progression in a case of tricuspid annuloplasty].

A 47-year-old man with mitral and aortic valve prostheses and a tricuspid valve annuloplasty required emergency substitution of both valves because of infectious endocarditis on the aortic valve prosthesis. The tricuspid ring initially impeded insertion of the pulmonary artery catheter toward the right ventricle. With the aid of transesophageal echocardiographic visualization, the catheter could be maneuvered to reach the pulmonary artery without damage to valvular or prosthetic structures. Transesophageal echocardiography, a monitoring technique with specific indications, is becoming increasingly useful as an aid in procedures related to cardiac surgery.