TEE in Cardiac Arrest

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers critical care clinicians superior imaging resolution and actionable diagnostic data for patients in cardiac arrest or shock, particularly when surface imaging is limited by mechanical ventilation or chest wall pathology. Unlike transthoracic echocardiography, TEE allows for continuous monitoring without interrupting life-saving chest compressions, enabling real-time adjustments to hand positioning that optimize ventricular compression and improve hemodynamic outcomes. Dr. Sara Nikravan, an expert in perioperative echocardiography, highlights that while TEE is invasive, the risks are manageable through proper training and adherence to safety protocols like using bite blocks. By providing clear visualization of cardiac structures and identifying reversible causes of arrest—such as localized effusions or pseudo-PEA—TEE serves as a powerful tool for intensivists to enhance resuscitation quality and clinical decision-making in the most challenging intensive care environments.