Diagnostics

Click for Details

TEE

  • Purpose of Test:

    A TEE is usually done when doctors want to examine hard to see structures of the heart. Here are a few situations where a TEE may be done:

    •to detect blood clots or masses inside the heart •to assess the severity of some valve defects •to examine prosthetic heart valves •to evaluate holes between the heart chambers •to detect infection of the heart valves •to diagnose a dissection in the lining of the aorta, the body’s main artery •to obtain clearer images than a standard echo would give
  • What to Expext During Procedure:

    The TEE is done at a hospital, clinic, or test center, often as an outpatient procedure. When you arrive for the test, you’ll change into a hospital gown, and then be taken to the procedure room.

    You will be asked to lie on your left side. Your throat will be sprayed with an anesthetic to numb it. You may be given a low dose of a sedative through the IV line in your arm, to help your relax. You may be also be given antibiotics, to help prevent an infection.

    The doctor gently inserts the probe into your mouth. As you swallow, the tube is slowly directed into the esophagus. You may gag when the probe first enters the esophagus, and you may feel the probe moving, but the procedure is generally not painful.

    The transducer is positioned in the esophagus, just behind the heart, where high quality images can be recorded. With the help of control knobs, the doctor can move the tip of the probe up, down, and sideways. This makes it possible to view various parts of the heart from different angles.

    Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level are carefully monitored throughout the test. Suction may be used to clear secretions from your mouth. You may also be given oxygen.

    The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. However, you should allow about two hours from our arrival to the time you can leave.
  • How to Prepare:

    Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure, to make sure your stomach is empty. If yo have diabetes and take medication for it, you will need special instructions.

    Have someone drive you to the hospital or clinic. Also, arrange to have someone drive you home afterwards. Do not plan to drive yourself home, as you may be drowsy.

    Tell the doctor if you have any conditions involving your esophagus or stomach, or if you have a problem swallowing.

    Also, tell the doctor or nurse if you have allergies to any medications, especially sedatives.

    If you wear dentures or oral prostheses, you will need to remove them, as they can interfere with the test.

    An intravenous line will be inserted into a vein in your arm, to allow injection of drugs, such as sedatives or antibiotics.
  • When Results will be Available:

    The doctor performing the procedure may be able to give you preliminary results before you leave. Your own doctor will discuss the final results with your during a future office visit.