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The history of transesophageal echocardiography: the role of inspiration, innovation, and applications

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Abstract

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which is commonly used for monitoring and diagnostic imaging during cardiovascular surgery, was originally developed by a strong desire to know what was taking place in the heart in the dark ages of cardiac surgery. The author was fortunate to be present in the midst of the development of TEE and have an opportunity to take a close look at the history of this innovation. Furthermore, the author believes that the history of TEE contains important lessons and tips for solving the problems we presently face in clinical practice. This article describes the history of TEE based on the reports in the early stage of development and discuss how inspiration and innovation was generated by a strong wish and passion to overcome problems. The development of TEE was based on the collaboration of colleagues in different fields, and an intense desire to convert ideas into reality.

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Acknowledgements

The author acknowledge the permission from the Shinko Trading Company Ltd. on reprinting seven figures in the chapter written by the author himself in the book, "Past, present, and future of TEE" [34].

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  1. Second Department of Surgery, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, 783-8505, Kochi, Japan

    Kazumasa Orihashi

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  1. Kazumasa Orihashi
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Correspondence to Kazumasa Orihashi.

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Orihashi, K. The history of transesophageal echocardiography: the role of inspiration, innovation, and applications. J Anesth 34, 86–94 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00540-019-02708-3

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