Innovations in transesophageal echocardiographic imaging

Echocardiography. 2003 Nov;20(8):755-61. doi: 10.1111/j.0742-2822.2003.03032.x.

Abstract

Over the last three decades, the continuing development of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has represented a major advance in our ability to visualize cardiovascular structures with ultrasound. TEE serves as a valuable complement to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) by allowing: images to be obtained with less attenuation from structures such as the lung, muscle, bone, and soft tissue; high resolution visualization of structures not well seen by TTE, such as left atrial appendage, descending thoracic aorta, and prosthetic heart valves; and assessment of hemodynamics and flow disorders in greater detail. This article provides a brief overview of current as well as emerging clinical applications of transesophageal echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Contrast Media
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / standards*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / trends
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Male
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media