[Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is indispensable in cardiovascular surgery.
• TEE offers superior cardiac imaging compared to transthoracic echocardiography due to probe proximity to the left atrium.
• Effective TEE utilization requires understanding ultrasonography principles and potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical intraoperative roles of TEE in cardiovascular surgery.
• To emphasize the importance of operator skill and knowledge for maximizing TEE benefits.
• To underscore the necessity of vigilance regarding TEE-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of TEE applications in cardiovascular surgery.
• Discussion of image acquisition and interpretation principles.
• Emphasis on TEE-related risks and safety precautions.

Main Results:

• TEE confirms diagnoses, guides cardiopulmonary bypass, monitors cardiac function, and verifies surgical success.
• Detailed cardiac visualization is achievable with TEE.
• Operator-dependent quality necessitates continuous skill improvement.

Conclusions:

• Expertise in TEE is vital for cardiovascular surgical teams.
• Thorough knowledge of ultrasonography, artifacts, and safety protocols is mandatory.
• Quality assurance and ongoing training are essential for TEE proficiency.