TEE
Pronunciation: tee (pronounced as letter)
Also written as: TEE — Transesophageal Echocardiography
Transesophageal echocardiography; ultrasound imaging from within the esophagus providing detailed cardiac visualization during surgery.
Full Definition
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the esophagus to obtain high-quality images of cardiac structures. In cardiovascular surgery, TEE is invaluable for assessing valve function, detecting air emboli, evaluating repair adequacy, and monitoring ventricular function. The proximity of the esophagus to the heart provides superior image quality compared to transthoracic approaches, especially in the operative setting.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "Intraoperative TEE confirmed competent mitral valve repair." — Operative report
- "TEE guidance was used for optimal cannulation placement." — Surgical technique note