“…TEE can be performed in as little as 27-30 minutes with high diagnostic accuracy (Kearney, et al, 1993;Smith, et al, 1995). Sensitivity averages 98-100% (Buckmaster, et al, 1994;Goarin, et al, 2000;Kearney, et al, 1993;Smith, et al, 1995;Vignon, et al, 2001;Vignon, et al, 2005), but like most ultrasound techniques can vary widely based on operator experience, with sensitivity as low as 60-63% being reported (Patel, et al, 2003;Saletta, et al, 1995). When directly compared to angiography TEE has comparable sensitivity for surgical lesions, but has a higher sensitivity for minor lesions such as intimal flaps (Buckmaster, et al, 1994;Goarin, et al, 2000;Kearney, et al, 1993;Smith, et al, 1995;Vignon, et al, 2005).…”