Transesophageal echocardiography and monitoring applications.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a widely used cardiac imaging technique that provides the clinician with a view of the heart as seen from the esophagus or stomach. Rapid advances in TEE transducer technology, coupled with the low-risk, semi-invasive nature of the procedure, have fueled its use for cardiac monitoring of surgical and critical care patients, in addition to diagnostic imaging. Many recent research studies have demonstrated the utility of TEE for direct, real-time evaluation of global and regional left ventricular function not achievable with current competing technologies at the bedside. As a result of these advantages, TEE has become an emerging tool in cardiac monitoring at many centers around the world.