The Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation: A Literature Review

Abstract

We propose that transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be used to guide cardiac arrest resuscitation. We undertook a literature search (Medline and EMBase) to assess articles on that topic. Our search yielded 55 articles falling into 3 categories: TEE used in operating rooms, TEE used in emergency departments, and TEE used in other settings. In many cases, TEE changed the direction of the resuscitation; however, it is unclear whether TEE changed patient-oriented outcomes, such as neurologically intact survival. Few adverse events related to TEE have been documented. There is growing evidence that physicians can learn to use TEE during resuscitations and apply the findings to clinical decisions.

Keywords: cardiac arrest; education; resuscitation; transesophageal echocardiography; ultrasound.