Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
What is a TEE?
A TEE is a test that allows your doctor to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus. Since the esophagus lies just behind the heart, a TEE may produce clearer pictures of the heart’s movement than a standard echocardiogram 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.
During a TEE, 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, 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.
Allow 2-3 hours from your arrival time to the time you can leave.
Your Preparation
• Don’t eat or drink after midnight, prior to the morning of your procedure.
• Do not take any medications on the morning of your test.
• Arrange to have someone pick you up after the exam. Don’t plan to drive yourself home.
Tell Your Doctor If
• You take any medications or have ulcers, a hiatal hernia, or problems swallowing.
• You have allergies to any medications or adverse reaction to sedatives.
Procedure
• When you arrive at the office, register with the receptionist. She will give you a consent form to read and sign.
• After you register, you will be taken to the testing room where your throat will be sprayed with anesthetic to numb it. You will be given a mild sedative through an IV (intravenous) line in your arm to help you relax. You will also be connected to a heart monitor & oxygen. If you wear dentures, you’ll need to remove them. Then you will be asked to lie on your left side.
• The doctor gently inserts the probe into your mouth. As you swallow, the tube is slowly guided into your esophagus. The tube is lubricated to make it slide easily.
• You may feel the doctor moving the probe, but it shouldn’t be painful or interfere with your breathing. A nurse monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the test, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
• After the doctor finishes the procedure, and removes the probe, a nurse will continue to monitor you until you are fully awake.
Afterward
• Don’t drive for 12 hours.
• Don’t eat or drink until your throat is no longer numb.
• Follow any instructions the doctor gives you.
Note: If your throat is sore, soothe it with cold drinks and lozenges. Report any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, internal pain, or a stiff neck to your doctor.