TEE - Transesophageal Echocardiogram

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special ultrasound or sound-wave imaging test of the heart. In contrast to a routine echocardiogram, a TEE is done by having the patient swallow a long slender, flexible tube that has an ultrasound imaging device near its tip. It is normal to be anxious about the test, but only about 2 percent of people who are asked to have the test will not be able to complete the test because they are unable to swallow the tube.

TEE is normally performed in circumstances where a standard echocardiogram has suggested an abnormality. With the TEE, the only separation between the ultrasound device and the heart is the thin wall of the esophagus or stomach. Common reasons for doing the TEE include: looking for blood clots in the heart; malfunction or infection of one or more of the native or artificial heart valves; congenital abnormalities of the structure of the heart; and disruption or disease of the large central artery of the chest, the aorta.

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for about 6 hours prior to the test. Your mouth and throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic, and a sedative will be administered through an intravenous (I.V.) line. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level will be monitored continuously during the procedure, which takes about 15-30 minutes. A cardiologist, nurse, and echocardiography technician will be present throughout the test.

You will be asked to lie on your left side during the test, and you should try not to talk or swallow while the tube is in place. Normally there is not much discomfort once you have swallowed the tube.

After the test is completed, you will be observed closely for about one hour or so, as the effects of the sedative wear off. You will need to have someone come with you who can drive you home after the test, and you should not drive until the next day, after the sedative has completely worn off. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for an hour or two after the test. Once the sensation in your mouth and throat is back to normal, you will be gradually allowed to start eating and drinking again.

The cardiologist will normally be able to give you a preliminary report of the results as soon as the test is completed, but may wish to study the videotape before giving final recommendations.