Miniaturized Echocardiography in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography has become more common in cardiac intensive care units. There are potential benefits to this mode of technology, many of which have been described in the literature. However, image acquisition and quality have been cited as being less optimal when compared to traditional transesophageal echocardiography. This review will discuss the current options available for miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography along with a literature review of this emerging assessment modality.

Keywords: critical care; echocardiography; miniaturized TEE; transesophageal echocardiography; ultrasound.