• Jeron Zerillo, Bryan Hill, Sang Kim, Samuel DeMaria, and M Susan Mandell.
• 1 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
• Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2018 Jun 1; 22 (2): 137-145.

Study ObjectiveDescribe transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) use, preparatory training and opinions about clinical importance, and future training pathways in a sample of liver transplant anesthesiologists.DesignOnline survey questionnaire.SettingLiver Transplant Centers in the United States.ParticipantsDirector of Liver Transplant Anesthesia or designated alternate respondent.ResultsA total of 79 Directors or alternates from 111 (71%) centers were identified. There were 56 responses (71%) representing 433 transplant anesthesiologists who cared for 63.3% of liver transplant cases performed in 2015. Basic TEE certification was reported more frequently (64%) than advanced (53.6%). At least one team member used TEE in over 90% of responding centers. Most respondents (83.9%) agreed TEE provided unique and valuable clinical information but were equally divided about future training pathways (on the job learning vs basic TEE certification).ConclusionTEE use in liver transplantation is growing with a substantial increase in basic TEE certified users. Transplant anesthesiologists support basic certification but an equal number believe there should be more applied training at the site of care.

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