TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY - CLINIC AL RELEVANCE

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has already been established as a Part of modern ultrasound diagnostic capabilities. Aortic dissectio n can be rapidly and reliably diagnosed with TEE, with subsequent unde layed surgery. TEE frequently reveals cardiac sources of emboli which are missed on transthoracal echocardiography (TTE). The assessment of native and especially prosthetic valvular disease is also improved Wit h TEE. Other indications for TEE include cardiac masses, hemodynamic i nstability in intensive care unit patients, and intraoperative monitor ing. Complications of TEE are infrequent, and the procedure can be eas ily used in older patients.