• Rationale and Comments

    Tests whose results will not alter management should not be ordered. Protocol-driven testing can be useful if it serves as a reminder not to omit a test or procedure, but should always be individualized to the particular patient. While transesophageal echocardiography is safe, even the small degree of risk associated with a procedure is not justified if there is no expected clinical benefit.

    Sponsoring Organizations

    • American Society of Echocardiography

    Sources

    • ACC/AHA guidelines

    Disciplines

    • Cardiovascular

    References

    • Douglas PS, et al. ACCF/ASE/AHA/ASNC/HFSA/HRS/ SCAI/SCCM/SCCT/SCMR 2011 appropriate use criteria for echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2011;24:229-67.