Why is the transesophageal approach useful?

Why is the transesophageal approach useful?

1. The heart lies close to the esophagus.Therefore, higher-frequency transducers may be used, resulting in higher resolution of ultrasound images.
2. Posterior structures, which are difficult to image transthoracically, are much more clearly seen with TEE.
3. TEE allows imaging of patients with poor transthoracic windows.