March 2011

This report addresses the appropriate use of TTE, TEE, and stress echocardiography. Improvements in cardiovascular imaging technology and an expanding armamentarium of noninvasive diagnostic tools and therapeutic options for cardiovascular disease have led to an increase in cardiovascular imaging. As the field of echocardiography continues to advance along with other imaging modalities and treatment options, the healthcare community needs to understand how to best incorporate this technology into daily clinical care. All prior AUC publications from the ACCF and collaborating organizations reflect an ongoing effort to critically and systematically create, review, and categorize the appropriate use of cardiovascular procedures and diagnostic tests. The ACCF recognizes the importance of revising these criteria in a timely manner in order to provide the cardiovascular community with the most accurate indications. Understanding the background and scope of this document are important before interpreting the rating tables.