Apparatus, systems and methods for proper transesophageal echocardiography probe positioning by using camera for ultrasound imaging

An apparatus, comprising:

• an image capture device configured to be removably coupled to an imager head of a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) ultrasound probe device via a coupling member, and inserted into an esophagus of a patient when removably coupled to the imager head of the TEE ultrasound probe device, the image capture device configured to capture image data within the esophagus and distal to the imager head of the TEE ultrasound probe device when removably coupled to the imager head of the TEE ultrasound probe device and to transfer the image data via a communication line from the image capture device to outside the patient;
• a retrieval tension member coupled to the image capture device and defining a lumen therethrough, the communication line disposed within the lumen, the retrieval tension member configured to extend from the image capture device through the esophagus and out the patient such that the lumen of the retrieval tension member extends proximally from the image capture device and entirely external to an exterior surface of a body portion of the TEE ultrasound probe device when (1) the image capture device is removably coupled to the TEE ultrasound probe device via the coupling member, and (2) the TEE ultrasound probe device is disposed within a target imaging location of the esophagus in which the TEE ultrasound probe device can capture ultrasound images of the heart of the patient to enable the ultrasound images to be received outside of body.