Learning curve for the acquisition of 20 standard two-dimensional images in advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography: a prospective observational study.

Background: Learning to perform intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography takes time and practice. We aimed to determine the cumulative success rate in the first 20 intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography cases performed by trainee anesthesiologists with no transesophageal echocardiography experience.

Methods: This prospective observational study included nine anesthesiologists (four cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesia fellows and five short-course perioperative intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography trainees).