Hospital Procedures
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)


Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that allows your doctor to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus, or food pipe. Since the esophagus lies just behind the heart, TEE may produce clearer pictures of the heart's movement that would standard echocardiography taken from outside the chest. During TEE, harmless sound waves bounce (echo) off your heart. These sound waves create images of your heart as it pumps blood through the valves and chambers. These images help your doctor identify and treat problems such as infection, disease, or defects in your heart's walls or valves.

How TEE Works
A flexible tube about the size of your index finger is inserted into your mouth and down your esophagus. At the tip of the tube is a small probe that produces sound waves. The sound waves bounce off your heart and are changed into pictures on a video screen. The doctor can move the probe up, down, and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles. Your throat is numbed, so you should feel little or no discomfort during the procedure.

Before Your TEE
Don't eat or drink for 4-6 hours before your exam. Take any prescribed medications with a sip of water only. Arrange to have someone pick you up after the exam. Don't plan to drive yourself home, as you may be drowsy.

During Your TEE
When you arrive for your TEE, you will change into a hospital gown, and then be taken to the testing room.

Your throat is sprayed with an anesthetic to numb it. You may be given a mild sedative through an IV (intravenous) line in your arm to help you relax. You may also be given oxygen. If you wear dentures, you'll need to remove them. Then 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 20 to 40 minutes.

Finding Out the Results
Because sound waves travel very fast, images of your heart are recorded almost instantaneously. The doctor may be able to show you the videotape and discuss your test results before you leave. Or your doctor may discuss the test results with you at a later appointment. Your doctor will use the test information to plan your treatment and to decide whether additional tests are necessary.