How to facilitate the placement of a transesophageal probe in a ventilated patient?

Purpose: Transesophageal probe insertion in the ventilated patients often is difficult. Different complex techniques were suggested for easier placement of the transesophageal probe. In this work, we describe a simple technique of TEE probe insertion in ventilated patients. Methods and results: In the period 2015–2018, 66 transesophageal echocardiographic examinations in anesthetized ventilated patients were carried out in accordance with the standard algorithm developed by us. During the transesophageal examination, all the patients were in the left decubital position and with their head tilted forward. In all the patients, TEE was done smoothly, from the 1st attempt, without complications. Conclusion: In the anesthetized intubated and ventilated patients, the TEE probe can be easily inserted when the patient is in the left decubital position. We suggest this algorithm in all such patients, when appropriate.