What is a TransEsophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)?
A transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE is a special type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart. The pictures are taken from inside the esophagus. This type of ultrasound gives a much clearer picture of the heart than a regular ultrasound.
Why do I need a TEE?
A TEE is done by a special doctor, called a cardiologist, to help check your heart’s condition related to:
- any congenital or birth defects, heart valve disease or heart muscle disease
- the function of an artificial valve
- any blood clots in your heart
- any infection in your heart
- possible cardiac causes of stroke
How is it done?
A thin tube, called a probe, is passed down your throat into your esophagus. At the tip of the probe, sound waves are sent out that will show very detailed pictures of your heart on a monitor.
How safe is a TEE?
It is a safe test, with serious complications reported in only 1 out of 6,000 patients. The test can be done for most patients except those with serious swallowing problems. The doctor will explain the procedure and the risks and ask you to sign a consent form.
How do I prepare for the TEE?
- If you take blood thinning medication such as warfarin or Coumadin®:
- tell this to the technologist when your appointment is made.
- bring your most recent INR result with you.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight before the test. Take your usual medications the day of the test with a sip of water.
- If you are taking insulin or oral medications to lower your blood sugar, you need to discuss this medication with your doctor.
- Tell the doctor or nurse if you have any problems swallowing or problems with your mouth, esophagus or stomach before the test.
- You cannot drive or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours after the test. Arrange to have someone drive you home after the test.
- Do not return to work the day of your test. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
What happens during the TEE?
You will have an intravenous or IV started. A mild sedative will be injected that will help you relax during the test. Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic to make it “numb” and reduce your gag reflex. The freezing makes it hard to swallow and to tell hot from cold.
When you are relaxed and comfortable, the probe will be placed into your mouth and you will be asked to swallow. Pictures from the ultrasound will show your heart’s structure and function, including information about your heart muscle,
valves and blood flow.
What happens right after the TEE?
A nurse or technologist will be with you as you rec
over. Your IV will be removed. Your throat will feel numb for about 1 hour after the test. You may need to stay in recovery until the effects of the sedation have worn off. The test and recovery
period will take about 3 to 4 hours. You will not be able to eat or drink for 1 to 2 hours. You may have a hoarse voice or sore throat. For the next 3 hours, all food and drink must be at room temperature. You can eat normally 4 hours after the TEE.
The views of your heart will be recorded. The doctor who did the TEE will look at the recordings and send a report to your referring doctor.
For 24 hours after your TEE, you cannot:
- drive
- operate machinery
- drink any alcohol
- make major or legal decisions
If you have any questions, please call the clinic.
