In recently published studies the feasibility of hemodynamic monitoring and safety of hTEE was demonstrated. In the context of a prospective quality review assessment, the investigators showed that the echocardiographic examinations using hTEE were of sufficient quality in a majority of examined ICU patients and that the inter-rater reliability between the intensivists and a trained cardiologist was substantial. However, as of yet studies assessing the impact of hemodynamic monitoring by hTEE on relevant patient outcomes are not available. Given the associated costs for the hTEE device and the ultrasound probes and the additional resource requirements for training and application, the efficacy and efficiency of hTEE monitoring in comparison to standard monitoring should be established.