Transesophogeal Echo (TEE)
A transesophogeal echo (TEE) is a specialized echo that is taken from within
your esophogus, behind the heart.
Why have a TEE?
A TEE will give better pictures of the heart than a standard echo. Patients with possible
strokes, significant valve abnormalities, or possible valve infection typically will have this test performed after a standard
echo has been done. A standard echo may be inadequate to fully evaluate the heart. A TEE may have been ordered
to look for a hole in the heart called a PFO.
How is the procedure done?
Patients come the the echo lab as scheduled. You should not have anything to eat or drink
for 6 hours prior to the procedure. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed to administer medications. We will
discuss potential risk and ask you to sign a consent form. First you will gargle and swallow some lidocaine jelly
to anesthetize, or "numb" the throat. Next, we will give you some medication to help you relax, such as midazolam
(Versed). After you are relaxed, but still awake, the physician will help you swallow the ultrasound probe. Typically,
patients will have some gag response initially, but once the probe is swallowed, the procedure is generally well tolerated.
It takes about 10 minutes to get the pictures, and then the probe is removed. Some patients may not remember the procedure
well, due to the medication. Plan on being at the Heart Center for 1-2 hours, and have someone else drive you home.
Are there any risks?
There is always a risk of reaction to the sedation medication that is given, and oxygen levels
may decrease temporarily. If you have significant sleep apnea, let the nurse know prior to the procedure. The
sedation medication can be reversed if needed. The ultrasound probe can injure or tear the esophogus on very rare occations.
There also is a very small risk of vomiting and aspirating material into the lungs. The chance of a serious complication
is very rare.
