Cardiothoracic Anesthesia & TEE

Adult cardiac anesthesiology certification requires completion of a one-year fellowship in adult cardiothoracic anesthesia and passing the adult cardiac anesthesiology exam.

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TEE Certification

Certification in Basic and Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography is offered through the National Board of Echocardiography. See the FAQ.

The Basic certification is intended for non-diagnostic monitoring within the customary practice of anesthesiology. It is not sufficient for making diagnoses that require cardiac surgical intervention. Diplomates must:

  • Complete 150 basic perioperative TEE examinations, 50 of which must be personally performed and interpreted under supervision.
  • Pass the Basic PTEeXAM, a computer-based multiple-choice examination.

The Advanced certification is intended for full diagnostic use, including direction of the perioperative surgical decision-making process. Diplomates must:

  • Complete a 12-month ACGME-accredited cardiac anesthesiology fellowship.
  • Complete 300 comprehensive perioperative TEE examinations, 150 of which must be personally performed and interpreted under supervision.
  • Pass the Advanced PTEeXAM, a computer-based multiple-choice examination.

Study Resources

Excellent virtual TEE simulator from the Toronto General Hospital Department of Anesthesia.

Online lecture series and question bank from the University of Utah.

OpenAnesthesia Basic Course in TEE.

American Society of Echocardiography (ASE).

Cardiac links from the Canadian Society of Echocardiography.

Discussion Threads at Student Doctor Network

Commercial Echo Board Preparation Courses