What is it?: Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a test that allows your doctor to see images of your heart from inside your food pipe (esophagus). Since the food pipe lies just behind the heart, TEE is able to provide more information about the heart than a regular echocardiogram taken from outside the chest. During TEE harmless sound waves are bounced off your heart. These sound waves create images of your heart. Doctors use the images to identify and treat problems.
How TEE works: A flexible tube about the size of your index finger is inserted into your mouth and down your esophagus. A small probe that produces harmless sound waves is at the tip of the tube. The sound waves from the tube are then bounced off your heart and are changed into pictures seen on a TV screen. The doctor can move the probe up, down and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles.
Before the TEE test: Don't eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours before your test. Be sure to mention what medicine you take when your test is scheduled. Ask if you should take any before the test. Also, tell your doctor if you have ulcers, a hiatal hernia, problems swallowing or allergies to any medications or sedatives. You will likely be drowsy, so arrange to have someone pick you up after the test.
During the test:
- When you arrive for your TEE, you will change into a hospital gown, and then be taken to the testing room.
- Your throat is sprayed with an anesthetic to numb it. You may be given a mild sedative through an IV (intravenous) line in your arm to help you relax. You may also be given oxygen. You will need to remove dentures if you wear them. Then you'll be asked to lie on your side.
- The doctor gently inserts the probe into your mouth. As you swallow, the tube is slowly guided into your esophagus. The tube is lubricated to make it slide easily.
- You may feel the doctor moving the probe, but it shouldn't be painful or interfere with your breathing. A nurse monitors your heat rate, blood pressure and breathing during the test, which usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
After the test:
- If you have sedation, don't drive for 12 hours.
- Don't eat or drink until your throat is no longer numb.
- If your throat is sore, soothe it with cold drinks and lozenges.
- Report any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, internal pain or a stiff neck, to your doctor.
- Be sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you.
The test results: At a future office visit your doctor will discuss your test results with you. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that may be needed.
