Transesophageal echocardiography

Preview

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.

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Notes on contributors

James W. Peterson

James W. Peterson, MD David A. Orsinelli, MD Dr Peterson (left) was a fellow in cardiology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and is now a cardiologist in private practice, Columbus, Ohio. Dr Orsinelli (right) is assistant professor of clinical medicine, division of cardiology, department of medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His special interest is the role of transesophageal echocardiography in evaluating patients with atrial fibrillation prior to cardioversion and in evaluating patients with prosthetic valves.

David A. Orsinelli

James W. Peterson, MD David A. Orsinelli, MD Dr Peterson (left) was a fellow in cardiology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and is now a cardiologist in private practice, Columbus, Ohio. Dr Orsinelli (right) is assistant professor of clinical medicine, division of cardiology, department of medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His special interest is the role of transesophageal echocardiography in evaluating patients with atrial fibrillation prior to cardioversion and in evaluating patients with prosthetic valves.