Peterson J W, Orsinelli D A
Ohio State University, Division of Cardiology, Columbus, OH 43210.
Postgrad Med. 1995 Mar;97(3):47-53, 57, 60-1.
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.
