Aortic Wall and Left Ventricular Mechanics: Echocardiographic and Hemodynamic Analysis

The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine the relationship between the
dimensions of the aorta (the large artery taking off the heart) and blood pressure during
cardiac surgery. Measurements of the aorta are obtained by an ultrasound-based imaging
technique called transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which is routinely performed during
cardiac surgery. TEE is an instrument used to monitor the heart and is standard of practice
at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Inclusion Criteria:

- elective CABG, valvular procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

- non-sinus rhythm (atrial fibrillation, flutter, paced rhythm), pre-operative presence
of intra-aortic counterpulsation device, synthetic aortic graft.