Why is this procedure done?
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to make moving pictures of your heart. Transesophageal means this test is done from inside of your food pipe or esophagus. This test is also called a TEE. It stands for transesophageal echocardiogram. A TEE looks at how well your heart works. The doctor is trying to learn about any problems with your heart. The doctor may look at how the blood flows in the heart. The doctor also checks how well the heart pumps. A TEE gives a closer and clearer picture of the heart. Your doctor may be looking for problems like: ‚
- Weakening of the heart
- Heart attack
- Problems with the blood vessels that give oxygen to the heart muscle
- Problems with the heart that have been there since birth
- Heart murmurs
- Heart infection
- Swollen area on a main blood vessel
- Blood clots
- A heart that is bigger than it should be
- Problems with the heart valves
Doctors may use TEE if someone has had heart surgery or is very overweight. It may also be used during a cardiac cath. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
The pictures are looked at by a heart doctor. The results may show if there are any problems with your heart. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- If you have ulcers, a hiatal hernia, or problems breathing.
Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) for a few days before the procedure because it may interfere with the sedative used. ‚
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- The staff will attach ECG electrodes on your body to watch your heart rate. They will put a cuff on your arm to check your blood pressure.
- Your doctor will spray a drug in your throat to numb the area.
- You will be asked to lie on your left side. They may put a small tube in your nose to help you breathe. They will place a tool in your mouth to keep it open during the procedure.
- The doctor will slide the probe down your throat and into your food pipe. The doctor will take pictures of your heart from different angles. Then, the probe is taken out.
- This procedure takes less than 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be moved to a Recovery Room after procedure. The hospital staff will watch your heart rate and breathing until you are stable.
- Talk to your doctor about when the results will be available.
- You may go home after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your throat may feel sore.
- Do not eat or drink anything until the numbness in your throat wears off.
- For the next day or so, get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Do not drive. Avoid using tools or machines, such as a lawnmower, for at least 1 day after the procedure.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with your heart. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor may send you to a heart specialist if the test results show a problem.
What problems could happen?
- Painful swallowing
- Upset stomach
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Transesophageal-Echocardiography-TEE_UCM_441655_Article.jsp ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/tee/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚