Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiography is a test that allows your doctor to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus, or food pipe. Since the esophagus lies just behind the heart, TEE may produce clearer pictures of the heart's movement than would a standard echocardiography taken from outside the chest. During TEE, harmless sound waves bounce (echo) off your heart. These sound waves create images of your heart as it pumps blood through the valves and chambers. These images help your doctor identify and treat problems such as infection, disease or defects in your heart's walls or valves.
How TEE Works...
A flexible tube about the size of your index finger is inserted into your mouth and down your esophagus. At the tip of the tube is a small probe that produces sound waves. The sound waves bounce off your heart and are changed into pictures on a video screen. The doctor can move the probe up and down and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles. your throat is numbed, so you should feel little or no discomfort during the procedure.
Before Your TEE...
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Don't eat or drink for 4-6 hours before your exam. Take any prescribed medications with a sip of water only.
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Arrange to have someone pick you up after the exam. Don't plan to drive yourself home, as you may be drowsy.
Tell Your Doctor if...
- You take any medications or have ulcers, a hiatal hernia or problems swallowing.
- You have allergies to any medications or sedatives.
The Time it Takes...
- Check with your doctor for arrival time, Allow plenty of time so you won't be late.
- Allow 1 - 2 hours from your arrival to the time you can leave.
Afterward...
- If you have sedation, don't drive for 12 hours.
- Don't eat or drink until your throat is no longer numb.
- Follow any instructions your doctor gives you.
Special Note:
- If your throat is sore, soothe it with cold drinks and lozenges.
- Report unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, internal pain or stiff neck to your doctor.