TEE in the Critically Ill

Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) will likely be the first imaging modality used when caring for critically ill patients, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may be required when TTE is unable to provide the answers required for patient care. Surgical dressings, patient body habitus, pulmonary pathology or positive pressure ventilation may obscure TTE views and specific cardiac pathology such as prosthetic valve dysfunction, endocarditis, and aortic dissection may require detailed interrogation with TEE.