Acute cardiac care & resuscitationResearch article
Transoesophageal echocardiography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest: a scoping review
- scoping review
Authors' conclusion
Intra-arrest TEE appears feasible and frequently alters resuscitation management, but current evidence does not demonstrate improved patient-centred outcomes. Further studies are required to inform appropriate integration into resuscitation practice.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with in- or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)Twenty-two studies, 84% out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
- Participants
- 1,254 adults
- Comparison
- TEE-guided vs conventional CPR
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Return of spontaneous circulation, survival, favourable neurological outcome (two randomized trials)
- No difference between TEE-guided and conventional CPR
Further findings
TEE-defined compression location and outcomes (observational)
- Compressions over the left ventricular outflow tract or aortic valve associated with less frequent return of spontaneous circulation and short-term survival
TEE-guided modification of chest compression position
- cases
- 19-76%
Influence on management and identification of arrest aetiology
- Influenced management
- 31-48%
- Identified potential arrest aetiology
- 20-86%
Pauses
- Shorter pauses with TEE compared with transthoracic echocardiography
Feasibility (successful insertion)
- successful insertion
- 80-100%
Original publication
Transoesophageal echocardiography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest: a scoping review. Resuscitation. Published 15 August 2026. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2026.111261
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it