Automation Software for Transesophageal Echocardiography in Cardiac Patients: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Software Engineering

Background:

• Automation software has advanced transthoracic echocardiography but its role in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is less established.
• Rapid technological progress necessitates a review of current evidence on TEE automation tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map literature on TEE automation software compared to manual measurements.
• To summarize validation outcomes and identify evidence gaps in TEE automation.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science (2020 onwards).
• Included studies on semi-automated/fully automated TEE software in adult cardiac patients.

Main Results:

• Ten studies evaluated mitral/aortic valves, left atrial appendage, and Doppler tracing; none assessed ventricular function.
• Agreement with manual TEE or reference standards was variable; efficiency gains were inconsistent.
• Most studies reported good reproducibility and feasibility, but evidence remains heterogeneous.

Conclusions:

• Current TEE automation tools show promise but evidence is insufficient for definitive recommendations.
• Significant gaps exist, particularly in automated ventricular function assessment.
• Standardized validation and further research are crucial for TEE automation development.