What is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram?
A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is a type of Echocardiogram utilizing a special 'camera' (transducer) which is swallowed into the esophagus (the tube leading to the stomach). Because the esophagus sits directly behind the heart, a TEE allows considerably better detailed pictures than are sometimes possible with a standard Echocardiogram.
Why is a TEE necessary?
An Echocardiogram, though a valuable and thorough test, can sometimes be limited in its' ability to adequately show the detail your doctor needs. Body characteristics such as closely positioned ribs, obesity and emphysema are factors that sometimes limit or prevent a standard Echocardiogram's ability to provide all of the information desired. A TEE avoids most of these limiting factors by placing the transducer in very close proximity to the heart.
What To Expect.
For your test you will be asked to change into a gown and an IV will be started for administering sedation medicine(s). The type of medicine(s) you will be given will make you sleepy and help with any aprehesion you may have but will not render you unconscious. Medicine will also be given orally to help calm the natural swallowing reflex and help you cooperate in swallowing the transducer. When you are sufficiently sleepy, your doctor (or another cardiologist with special training) will assist you in swallowing the transducer which is on the end of a tube about the diameter of a pencil. Pictures are then taken of your heart and the transducer is soon removed. As the sedation medicine(s) wear off, you are typically moved into a comfortable chair to be monitored as you wake-up more fully. When the specially trained nurse who is with you throughout the test is certain you are able, you will be sent home. Please plan to allow 2 to 2-1/2 hours for this test.
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