Transesophageal Echocardiogram

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a procedure performed to evaluate your heart and the surrounding structures. The esophagus lies directly behind the heart, so images taken from the esophagus are generally of better quality than those obtained from an echocardiogram from the chest wall. A TEE is especially valuable for patients with valve replacements, history of stroke, or when adequate images cannot be obtained from the chest wall.

To perform a TEE, a small flexible tube containing a small transducer is passed into the esophagus. Prior to the test, the back of your throat will be numbed by a medication you will swallow, followed by another medication that will be sprayed into your mouth. You will then be given medication intravenously for sedation. All of this is done to make the procedure more comfortable for you.

Before the test

You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. The morning of the procedure, you may take your medications with small sips of water.

During the test

When you arrive for the procedure, the doctor will explain the procedure to you and will discuss any questions you may have. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm for the sedatives that will be given to you during the procedure. As stated before, your throat will be numbed with medication to make the procedure more comfortable. During the procedure, you will be monitored closely while the ultrasound images are obtained. The procedure lasts approximately 45 minutes.

After the procedure, you will remain in the procedure room until you are fully awake. You may be drowsy for a period of time following the procedure. You may or may not have a sore throat. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for two hours after the procedure until the numbing wears off. After two hours, you may eat soft foods, but avoid hot liquids. We ask that a family member or friend accompany you so that s/he can drive you home. You should not drive yourself while under the influence of sedatives. We recommend that you avoid driving or performing any physically strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.