Elliott Elias, MD, MPH: Overcoming Challenges in Prosthetic Valve Evaluation

Valvular heart disease requires precise diagnosis and management, as the accurate evaluation of valve function through advanced imaging and ongoing collaboration between medical professionals is essential for preventing adverse complications and benefiting patient outcomes.

In a recent interview with HCPLive, Elliott Elias, MD, MPH, medical director of Cardiac and Structural Imaging at the Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, described common challenges in evaluating prosthetic valves using echocardiograms. Elias emphasized that while prosthetic valves do not change the equations used for native valve evaluations, sonographers may face difficulties due to shadowing or unfamiliarity with these valves. To mitigate errors, sonographers are trained to sweep through the valve continuously and are often teamed up with more experienced colleagues for guidance.

“The sonographer is, in a sense, the first person that's going to encounter the disease in question,” Elias told HCPLive. “Their job is vital to the team because they are your eyes on the ground. if they don't pick up that subtle abnormality, then they can't focus in and allow us to make the appropriate diagnosis.”

Noting this, Elias highlighted the importance of effective communication between sonographers and the clinical team. He also promoted continuing education opportunities, including the upcoming Baptist Health Echocardiography and Structural Heart Symposium 41st Annual Symposium in Miami. This event plans to gather cardiologists, imagers, and surgeons to address the rapid advancements in the field and explore controversial topics in valvular heart disease.