Trans-esophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
TEE is a diagnostic procedure, which combines the use of:
- Echocardiography with Complete Doppler Study (color flow interrogation of blood
flow within the heart)
- Tranesophageal Scope or Probe
This is a semi-invasive test. The procedure allows your cardiologist to clearly view
the heart structure, blood flow, its chambers, valves and the great vessels from multiple
imaging planes via a flexible probe (about the width of the little finger and similar to an
endoscopic procedure) inserted through the esophagus (throat). Some patients may have a thick
chest wall or hyper-expanded lungs in which case an ordinary echocardiogram may not be able
to visualize the heart clearly. TEE is particularly useful in this situation.
Indications for TEE
TEE is a diagnostic procedure, which combines the use of:
- Identification of any defects or valvular lesions, their severity and /or
ventricular compensation
- Reevaluation in complex endocarditis (infection in the heart)
- Evaluation of patients with high clinical suspicion of culture negative endocarditis
- Evaluation of bacteremia without a known source
- Suspected cardiac source of emboli (left or right atrial appendage clots)
- Differentiation of restrictive cardiomyopathy vs. constrictive pericarditis
Preparation for TEE
You will be asked to sign consent before the procedure. Your cardiologist will give proper
explanation. Be sure to inform the cardiologist if you have problems swallowing or any
allergies to sedatives or medication.
In preparation for the test, an intravenous line will be inserted in your vein to allow
injections to be given.
If you wear dentures or oral prosthesis, you should remove them prior procedure.
Do not eat or drink six hours prior to your procedure (you may take sips of water with your
medication). If you are a diabetic, check with your cardiologist about what your medication
regimen will be on the day of your procedure.
How is TEE performed
A TEE team consisting of your cardiologist, a cardiac nurse and/or technician will attend you.
You will be assisted to lie on a couch on your side. You will be conscious throughout the
procedure and anaesthetized with a xylocaine spray to numb your throat and help you to relax.
Your blood pressure and oxygen saturation will be monitored when sedation is administered.
A bite guard will be placed on your mouth while your cardiologist lubricates the flexible tip
of the endoscope.
Simple instructions will be given to assist the cardiologist with the intubation of the
echoscope.
Necessary ultrasonic information of the heart and the aorta will be obtained from esophageal
view. The examination will be completed in 20 minutes.
It may take up to two hours to set you up, perform the procedure and ensure that everything
is back to your normal baseline.
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