What can a transesophageal detect?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an ultrasound technology that provides highly detailed images of the heart and its internal structures. Our heart experts use TEE to detect blood clots, evaluate heart valves, and guide treatment for arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats) and many other heart conditions.

What can I expect from a transesophageal echocardiogram?

What to Expect After Your TEE. After your test, you’ll rest in a recovery area. Staff will watch your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Once those vital signs are stable, you can swallow normally, and you feel alert, your nurses will take off your chest electrodes, cuff, and clips, and remove your IV tube.

Why is a TEE test done?

A TEE is done when your doctor needs a closer look at your heart or does not get the information needed from a regular echo. You may need a combination of a TEE, Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to get information about how blood flows across your heart’s valves.

Is a TEE test painful?

Many people find TEE to be uncomfortable, but not actually painful. The staff at the echocardiography lab will take several steps to make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gel,or gargling solution.

How long does a transesophageal echocardiogram take?

The doctor can move the tube up, down and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles. The test usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes.

How long does transesophageal echocardiogram take?

How long does a TEE last?

The test usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes. If you require more detailed information, check with the facility where you are having your exam.

How long does a TEE procedure usually last?

The doctor can move the tube up, down and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles. The test usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes. If you require more detailed information, check with the facility where you are having your exam.

How long is the tee procedure?

Are you put to sleep for a tee?

Once you arrive After changing into a hospital gown, you’ll meet your nurse. They’ll place an intravenous (IV) catheter into one of your veins, usually in your hand or arm. The IV will be used to give you anesthesia (medication to make you sleep) during your procedure.

Are you awake during a transesophageal echocardiogram?

Once the test is ready to begin, you will be given a sedative to help you relax, and a numbing medication will be sprayed down your throat. This will make the passage of the transesophageal ultrasound probe more comfortable. You will be awake enough to swallow if necessary.

How long does it take to do a transesophageal echocardiogram?

The test takes about 10 to 30 minutes. Then, someone will take out the probe. Nurses will monitor you for 20 to 30 minutes afterward. Don’t eat or drink until the sedative wears off, which takes an hour after the test. You might still be drowsy or dizzy, so someone else should drive you home.

What are the risks of an echocardiogram?

A transesophageal echocardiogram can include a bad reaction to the sedative and cause a sore throat or (rarely) a minor throat injury. A stress echocardiogram can cause minor complications from the exercise or any medication used. Other risks depend on your medical history. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before testing.

What to expect during an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram sends high-frequency sound waves into the chest to rebound from the heart’s walls and valves. The recorded waves form a moving 2-dimensional image of the heart on a television screen. These pictures show the shape and movement of the valves, as well as the size and functioning of the heart chambers.

Why do I need an echocardiogram?

The purpose of an echocardiogram is to assess the structure and function of the heart. It is recommended as a noninvasive procedure as part of assessing potential and established heart problems.