TransEsophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

What is a TEE?

TEE is a test that gives your doctor images of your heart.  It is done from inside your esophagus (food pipe).  Because the esophagus lies just behind your heart, TEE gives clearer pictures than the standard echocardiogram done from the outside of the chest.  During TEE, harmless sound waves bounce (echo) off your heart.  These sound waves create images of your heart on a video screen. The images help your doctor identify problems such as heart infection or disease, or problems with your heart’s walls or valves.

Before your TEE

Don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. The morning of your procedure, take any prescribed medications with only a sip of water. You will be given a moderate sedation for this procedure so please arrange for someone to drive you home.

During your TEE

When you arrive for your TEE you will be taken to your room and asked to change into a hospital gown.   You will have an IV started and a brief assessment will be done.  Once your doctor is ready to start, your throat is sprayed with an anesthetic to numb it. You will be given a mild sedative through your IV (intravenous) line in your arm to help you relax. You will also be given oxygen. If you wear dentures, you'll need to remove them. You'll 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 20-40 minutes.

Tell your doctor if you take any medications or have ulcers, a hiatal hernia, or problems swallowing, or if you have allergies to any medications or sedatives.

After the Test

The test is performed in the same room you were admitted to, and you will recover in the same room as well.  We will monitor you for at least 2 hours after your procedure.  Your doctor will come back and talk with you about your results before you go home. It is not uncommon to have a mild soar throat after your procedure.  Let your doctor know if it become severe or you cough up any blood.