Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Transesophageal Echocardiographic Examination: Recommendations from the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, JASE, September 2013
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a critically important cardiovascular imaging modality. The proximity of the esophagus to much of the heart and great vessels makes it an excellent ultrasonic window, so that TEE provides additional and more accurate information than transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for some patients, for several specific diagnoses and for many catheter based cardiac interventions. The recommendations are based on a critical review of the literature and the consensus of a panel of experts. (09/13)