When a heart team's recommendations were followed, for example, the authors noted a “significant reduction” in cardiac mortality.

John H. Calhoon, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Texas, has been an STS member since 1992. 

The use of these devices when treating certain high-risk patients is still recommended.  

Intraoperative TEE, researchers wrote, can provide value during any open cardiac valve or proximal aortic surgery.

The new analysis focused on in-hospital, 30-day and long-term outcomes. 

Researchers reviewed 26 years of data, sharing their findings in the European Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery.

To better understand this issue, clinicians should track patient outcomes for more than just 30 days after surgery.