Transesophageal Echocardiogram
What You Need to Know:
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a procedure used to check for problems with your heart. It will also show any problems in the blood vessels near your heart. Sound waves are sent to the heart through a tube inserted into your throat. The sound waves show the structure and function of your heart through pictures on a monitor.
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. You will be told what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
You will lie down with your chin bent down to touch your chest. A mouthguard will be put into your mouth. The mouthguard keeps you from biting down on the tools that are put into your mouth.
An ultrasound probe will be put into your mouth and down your throat. The probe is a long, thin, bendable tube with a transducer on the end. You may be asked to swallow several times as it is moved down your throat. The transducer is a small transmitter that sends sound waves to your heart. The sound waves can travel around your heart so pictures of your heart will show up clearly. The TEE usually takes less than 45 minutes.
- Injury to teeth, mouth, throat or esophagus
- Reaction to the medication used to relax patients during the procedure, including nausea and difficulty breathing
- Sore throat after the procedure
- Bleeding
- Heart rhythm problems
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides high-quality moving pictures of your heart and blood vessels. These pictures help doctors detect and treat heart and blood vessel diseases and conditions.
