Comparison of image quality between a narrow caliber transesophageal echocardiographic probe and the standard size probe during intraoperative evaluation.

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become an integral part of the evaluation and monitoring of patients during cardiac operation. Until recently, the smallest TEE probe with multiplane imaging measured 13 mm in diameter. This size is now standard for adult TEE probes.