TEE is a diagnostic test that allows a clearer visualization of your heart – without the shadow of the ribs or lungs – than a regular echocardiogram or TTE. For this test, a small, flexible probe is passed through your mouth and into your esophagus. The probe will emit sound waves as it sits in the esophagus directly behind your heart, creating good quality images.

TEE is equipped with 3 D imaging capabilities,

Common TEE indications

  • Visualization of valve morphology, degree of narrowing or leaking.
  • Evaluation of possible cardiac thrombus (clots) as a workup of strokes
  • Abnormal communications between heart chambers – holes- such as PFO or ASD; possible causes of strokes or heart failure
  • Better definition of cardiac structures, when a regular Echocardiogram is inconclusive or suboptimal (thick chest walls, obesity)
  • Diagnosis of valvular infections – endocarditis – or complications of endocarditis
  • Diagnosis and follow up after surgically repaired valves,
  • Follow up of all congenital heart conditions

How is TEE performed

  • The test is usually done in a hospital lasting about 30 min (you will spend in the hospital approximately 4 hours, including preparation and post-procedure-care .
  • A nurse inserts an IV (intravenous line) in your arm and gives you a mild sedative (medicine) to help you relax. Then she sprays your throat with a medicine to numb it and suppress the gag reflex. You will be monitored throughout the procedure with an electrocardiogram and with an oximeter for your oxygenation.
  • Your cardiologist then gently advances a thin, flexible tube (probe) through your mouth and down your throat and asks you to swallow as it goes down.
  • A transducer on the end of the probe collects pictures that show up on a video screen.
  • When the doctor is finished taking pictures, the probe, IV and electrodes are removed. When you are fully awake, you may leave the hospital. Because of the sedatives, you will need somebody to drive you home

Before TEE

If your procedure is in the morning, please do not eat or drink after midnight, before the procedure. Otherwise, do not eat or drink anything at least 6 hours before your procedure.

If you do need to take any medicine before the test, take them with small sips of water.

Do not stop blood thinners, unless advised so

Skip the morning insulin dose or oral diabetes dose, if you follow the instructions and have not eaten anything for at least 6 hours

The hospital will call you the night before with instructions regarding time, location, address

After TEE

  • Your throat may be numb for a short time. To avoid chocking, don’t eat or drink anything for 4 hours
  • It’s common to have a sore throat for a day or two after the test.
  • Because of the sedative, avoid driving that day; may return to normal activities next day.
  • You will receive the results of the TEE at the end of the test. Procedure sedation may temporally impair your memory; the person who is driving you can help with the results

You will love the 3 D pictures of your heart!