What is a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram)?
A standard echo is performed by passing an ultrasound probe over your heart from outside the body. By using ultrasound waves, which are not felt and are harmless, a motion picture is made of your heart as it beats in your chest. This motion picture is recorded on videotape and studied by a cardiologist.
A TEE provides clearer and more detailed pictures than a standard echo. Since your esophagus (the passageway from your mouth to your stomach) passes very close to your heart, placing the ultrasound probe down the esophagus will give a much better and more detailed picture of your heart.
A TEE can tell many important things about your heart including its size, how strongly it pumps blood, and how well the valves are working. It is also very useful for identifying many of the common problems that can occur with the heart and for visualizing heart structures not seen with the standard echocardiogram. This makes it a very useful test for detecting the presence of any blood clot in the upper chambers of the heart and for providing information about your heart's overall health.
Your TEE will be performed by a cardiologist who has special expertise in this procedure. The cardiologist will be assisted by a special ultrasound technician called a Sonographer. A nurse will also be present to administer medications, monitor your blood pressure and pulse, and supervise the recovery process.
Instructions for your TEE:
© Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (or 8 hours) prior to the procedure.
© Please take your morning medication with a small amount of water at your normally scheduled time, including blood pressure pill, Plavix, and aspirin.
© Do not take any diuretics (water pills) on the day of the procedure. If your diuretic is combined with your blood pressure medication, you will take it as usual. If you take diabetic medication or insulin, please check with the office for special instructions.
© You MUST have someone to drive you home – no driving for 24 hours after your procedure. If an intervention is performed, you will stay overnight in the hospital.