Transesophageal echocardiography: what is it and what are the indications for its use.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively new technique for ultrasound imaging of the heart and great vessels via a gastroscope modified to house an ultrasound transducer on its tip. Imaging of cardiac and vascular structures is performed from within the esophagus and stomach. TEE probes have Doppler and color-flow imaging capabilities to provide detailed information about cardiac structure and function. A review of the esophageal intubation technique, structures visualized, and indications for TEE in medical practice is presented.