Intraoperative echocardiography in cardiac surgery

Abstract

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may improve intraoperative decision-making and patient outcome if it is performed correctly and the findings are interpreted correctly. It is a very important tool during cardiac surgery and has a significant impact on surgical care and anesthesia management. In 1999, the American Society of Echocardiography/Society of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists Task Force published guidelines for performing a comprehensive intraoperative TEE examination. It is very important to know the indications for and to avoid possible complications caused by the TEE examination. In the last 20 years this procedure has improved outcomes in cardiac surgery patients.