indications for transoesophageal echocardiography

Last reviewed 01/2018

The indications for transoesophageal echocardiography are manifold:

  • no adequate praecordial windows, e.g. the atrial appendages and the aorta
  • possible aortic dissection
  • aortic aneurysm
  • mitral valve disease
    • mitral stenosis - assessment for suitability for balloon valvotomy
    • mitral regurgitation - assessment of suitability for repair
  • infective endocarditis
  • atrial septal defect
  • intracardiac mass or tumour
  • looking for source of cardiogenic emboli
  • left ventricular outflow obstruction
  • congenital heart disease - complex disease
  • intraoperative - to assess surgical outcome or monitor for ischaemia.