Transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiography: Current perspectives

Transesophageal Echocardiography

“…The procedural aspects of the technique have been reviewed in great detail. 12,22,[24][25][26][27] The patient fasts for at least four hours, and his or her history is carefully evaluated for symptoms of dysphagia or gastroesophageal disease. After dentures, if any, have been removed and local pharyngeal anesthesia has been administered, we perform the study with the patient awake and in the left lateral decubitus position, to minimize the risk of aspiration; other positions (right lateral, sitting, or prone) are possible.…”