Tag Archives: British Society of Echocardiography

Recommendations for safe practice in transoesophageal echocardiography: a  summary document from the BSE education committee Dear Sirs, Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is an established diagnostic technique, which is used with increasing frequency in a number of clinical settings. By definition it is semi-invasive with potential for significant complications.1 It therefore requires a high level of expertise and should only be performed by trained individuals. TOE often requires the use of sedation and it is recognised that there is wide variation in practice between cardiac units in the UK.2 It has become mandatory for NHS Trusts to

This focus on echocardiography is to be welcomed. But who is to perform these additional echocardiograms and what sort of studies will be performed? The standard adult transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) has stood the test of time. When performed by appropriately trained individuals, e.g. those holding BSE Accreditation,1 it can reliably describe and quantitate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, structure and function of all four valves, basic prosthetic valve function, common congenital abnormalities and cardiomyopathies, and the presence and significance of pericardial fluid. Importantly, it can provide an answer to the two mo

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