Transesophageal echocardiography state of the art

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a recently popularized ultrasonic imaging technique that provides high-resolution anatomic and physiologic information due to the probe's proximity to cardiac structures. Although TEE has been available in a single-plane, two-dimensional format for many years, widespread enthusiasm for the technique has only recently developed with the addition of Doppler technology, improved image resolution, and biplanar imaging. Because of the relatively late clinical interest in TEE, literature detailing the technique's utility is at present somewhat limited. There is already good evidence documenting TEE's value in assessment of mitral valve prosthetic function, valvular regurgitation, aortic dissection, left atrial thrombus, and intraoperative monitoring of left ventricular segmental wall motion and mitral valve repair. In addition, the list of proven indications is rapidly growing. This article summarizes the present state of TEE imaging and indicates future directions of TEE clinical applicability.