Transesophageal echocardiography. when is it superior to standard imaging in clinical practice?
Peterson, J.W.; Orsinelli, D.A.
Postgraduate Medicine 97(3): 47-53; 57 60-61
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5481 PMID: 7877928 Document Number: 446327
Echocardiography is invaluable in assessing patients with known or suspected cardiac disorders. However, there are often impediments to adequate imaging using the standard transthoracic route (eg, mechanical ventilation, bandages). Transesophageal imaging overcomes many of these technical limitations and, as one researcher notes, provides a "new window to the heart." Drs Peterson and Orsinelli review common clinical applications of the procedure and adjunctive uses.