For more precise evaluation of cardiac structures and major cardiac vessels we use TEE.

Transesophageal echocardiography examination requires cooperation of conscious patient and active swallowing of gastroesophageal probe. Depending of disease pathology that is evaluated, exam lasts from 3 to 5 minutes and is dealing only with the problem of concern.

Indications for TEE are as follows:

• Preoperative use in unstable patients with suspected thoracic aortic aneurysms, dissection, or disruption who need to be evaluated quickly;
• Use in ICU for unstable patients with unexplained haemodynamic disturbances, suspected valve disease, or thromboembolic problems;
• Perioperative use in patients with increased risk for myocardial ischemia or infarction;
• Perioperative use in patients with increased risk of haemodynamic disturbances.

The TEE report consists of several documentations:

• Systolic function of LV, measuring volume fraction, mass of LV;
• Diastolic function of LV with regard to implied etiology of reached diagnosis;
• Detailed description of native valves or prosthetic ones, with their overall function;
• Detailed description of congenital heart disease if there was any;
• Detailed report on transplanted hearts during perioperative period
• Pericardial diseases and heart tumors;
• Detailed description of type of cardiomyopathies and therapeutic decisions.