Intraoperative, two-dimensional echocardiography-guided removal of retained intracardiac air.

The removal of intracardiac air after cardiotomy may be simplified with the use of two-dimensional echocardiography. This technique can be used to readily identify retained pockets of air and can function as a guide to needle aspiration of the ventricular chambers. With a valve prosthesis in place, de-airing can be accomplished with minimal displacement of the heart. The technique is easy to use and the images are simple to interpret.