Study of Diaphragm Mobility on Tissue Doppler

Study of Diaphragm Mobility on Tissue Doppler (Thoracotomy vs Sternotomy in Diaphragm Dysfunction Following Heart Surgery)

Diaphragm dysfunction is found in 10 to 90% of patients following heart surgery.

In current practice diaphragm dysfunction is evaluated by 2D ultrasonography. Tissue Doppler is a validated technique to study heart contractility. Its use in the analysis of diaphragm function must be evaluated to determine its interest as a diagnostic tool.

Better understanding of diaphragm dysfunction following heart surgery will lead to earlier management of post-operative respiratory complications and the implementation of preventive pre-operative measures.

We intend to look for correlations between the TM (Time-Movement) mode and tissue Doppler in the assessment of diaphragm mobility.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post-operative period following heart surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 18 years old
• Existence of a neuro-muscular disease
• Widened surgical approach
• Refusal of the patient
• Impossibility to see diaphragm movement