Published appraisals of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a breakthrough technology feasible in most patients, permitting faster image acquisition, and delivering superior images of certain cardiac structures than can be obtained with either real-time transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or reconstructed 3D TEE imaging technology. The technology is used predominantly for the preoperative assessment of the mitral valve and, going forward, for the guidance of percutaneous procedures, such as interatrial septal occluders, occlusion of the left atrial...