Transesophageal Echocardiography: Current Indications

Transesophageal echocardiography is rapidly gaining acceptance among the medical community with the number of accepted indications increasing. Used in conjunction with the transthoracic examination, the transesophageal approach provides a complementary means for evaluating a wide variety of cardiac pathology. It is uniquely suited to evaluate pathology in the aortic root and left atrium, including valves or their prosthetic replacement. Although transesophageal echocardiography cannot be considered a noninvasive examination, patient discomfort and risk are generally low. An experienced echocardiographer may quickly achieve proficiency in the examination following instruction in passage of the transducer and orientation to the imaging methodology. The often spectacular display of anatomy fosters confidence in the data and enhances acceptance by other physicians and especially surgeons who may be called upon to act on the findings.