Designed and created by Guideline Central in participation with the American Society of Echocardiography, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Assist with Surgical Decision-Making in the Operating Room
Publication Date: June 1, 2020
Last Updated: March 3, 2023
Objective
Objective
This patient summary from the American Society of Echocardiography means to discuss the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the operating room.
Overview
Overview
- Transesophageal echocardiography is the placement of an ultrasound sensor through the mouth and into the chest to image the heart. It is standard procedure during heart surgery.
- This patient summary focuses on the uses and limitations of TEE during heart surgery of all kinds.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- Unlike other body organs, most of what the heart does can be seen and measured using ultrasound imaging, even while the heart is working.
- Ultrasound can see valve motion, valves that leak or are narrowed, measure both volume and speed of blood flow in and out of the heart, detect abnormal heart anatomy and even evaluate parts of the aorta for disease.
- In addition, the process of surgery can be followed visually as if the surgeon were inside the heart.
- Ultrasound, unlike x-rays, is not harmful radiation.
Abbreviations
- TEE: Transesophageal Echocardiography
Source Citation
Nicoara A, Skubas N, Ad N, Finley A, Hahn RT, Mahmood F, Mankad S, Nyman CB, Pagani F, Porter TR, Rehfeldt K, Stone M, Taylor B, Vegas A, Zimmerman KG, Zoghbi WA, Swaminathan M. Guidelines for the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Assist with Surgical Decision-Making in the Operating Room: A Surgery-Based Approach: From the American Society of Echocardiography in Collaboration with the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2020 Jun;33(6):692-734. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.03.002. Erratum in: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2020 Nov;33(11):1426. PMID: 32503709.
Disclaimer
The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.