Lessons learned during my 25 years as Dr. Carpentier’s echocardiographer

My collaboration with Professor Carpentier began in the early 1990s and was to continue for more than 25 years. Ours was a unique relationship based on mutual respect and unwavering trust: he liked to introduce me as “the justice of the peace”, a symbol of the power of partnership. The lessons I learned during my 25 years with Professor Carpentier could be summarized in four key messages: understanding the surgeon’s needs based upon the pathophysiological triad and functional approach, establishing a dedicated two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) intra-operative echo protocol in a common language, participating in evolution and evaluation of mitral valve reconstruction and transmitting knowledge to younger generations by education: “give to be given”. I owe my entire professional career to him. Beyond that, we have forged an unbreakable bond, a relationship that is not only scientific but also deeply human. This filial bond will last forever.