Is a TEE Safe?
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a relatively common procedure and the test is considered to be fairly safe. However, because TEE does require entrance into your esophagus and stomach, there is a possibility that patients may experience breathing problems, abnormal or slow heart rhythm, reaction to the sedation medicine(s), and minor bleeding. In extremely rare cases TEE may cause perforation or tear of the esophagus.
Preparation Instructions for a Transesophageal Echo (TEE).
To prepare for your TEE, please read our Patient Instructions sheet which may be viewed by clicking here.
A printer-friendly version of these instructions is available here.
(Note: This is a Microsoft Word document.)
PLEASE NOTE:
Because the medicines you will be given have some lingering affects, you will not be permitted to drive yourself home. Also because the medicines typically cause you to forget the procedure and anything told to you during or afterward, an appointment will be made for you at a later time to discuss the results of the test.
If you have questions...
...please speak with your doctor.