Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
What is a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
A TEE is a very effective diagnostic ultrasound test that allows a cardiologist to look at the heart from a tube that is passed into the esophagus. Since a traditional echocardiogram that views the heart through the chest wall has some limiting factors, this test allows very clear images of many parts of the heart structures and blood flow.
As with any type of ultrasound test, sound waves are directed to the heart via a transducer, and the heart deflects the sound waves.
In this case, the transducer is on a tube that will be put into your esophagus (the tube that leads to your stomach) in a place near the heart. Associated computerized equipment records and analyzes the sound waves to assess a variety of factors:
- Presence of heart failure by assessing heart size, pumping strength, damaged heart muscle.
- Extent of damaged heart muscle due to a heart attack.
- Presence of valve disease due to inability of valves to open or close completely, leakage through a valve when it is closed, and other structural abnormalities.
- Presence of congenital heart disease.
- Presence of pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.
- Presence of blood clots inside a heart chamber, due to a heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Presence of endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. This may lead to a problem with a heart valve.
- Presence of an aneurysm in the heart or in the aorta.
Preparing for the procedure
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours prior to the exam. Inform your Inova physician if you are allergic to any sedatives and if you wear dentures. An intravenous line (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm to give you a sedative. The test takes about one hour to complete.
During the procedure
Your throat will be sprayed with a medicine to numb it and you will receive a medication through your IV to help you relax (to feel drowsy, not to fall asleep). A mouthpiece will be put in your mouth to guide the scope into your esophagus. Your Inova cardiologist will gently place the scope into your mouth. As you swallow the lubricated tube, it will slowly enter into your food pipe or esophagus. It will not be painful or interfere with breathing, but you may feel the doctor moving the scope.
After the procedure
You should not eat or drink while your throat is still numb, nor should you drive for 24 hours. Your Inova physician will explain the findings of the test and any recommendations for follow-up care.
