Objective:To evaluate the value of transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)in postoperative low cardiac output syndrome of critical cardiac valvular disease.Methods:The preoperative data of 16 patients with critical cardiac valvular disease who suffered from postoperative low cardiac output syndrome,as well as the postoperative treatment of them,was retrospec-tively analyzed.Results:Among the 16 patients,9 cases underwent intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)support suggested by TEE.And 7 of the 9 patients recovered without complications,while the other 2 patients died.IABP were not suggested by TEE in 7 patients,2 of whom underwent exploratory thoractomy,while the other 5 patients recovered after adjustment of vas-opressor agents and improvement of internal environment.Conclusions:TEE can be used in the differentiation of the cause of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome in patients with critical cardiac valvular disease and it can provides the basis for the reasonable application of IABP.