What is a transesophageal echo?
Transesophageal echocardiography is a major advance in ultrasound technology which permits more extensive examination of the heart. It is a probe inserted down the patient’s throat into the esophagus which allows ultrasound imaging of the heart. Patients are usually given a topical anesthesia and a drug such as Versed or sedation. Patients usually experience minimal discomfort. This technique is very helpful in patients for whom regular transthoracic echocardiographic pictures are inadequate. It is also very useful in evaluating patients for valvular disease and infection, and looking for the aorta. It is also used during surgery to help thoracic surgeons with valve repairs. Current applications of transesophageal echocardiography include: looking for possible causes of stroke; evaluating the possibility of endocarditis; evaluating the thoracic aorta. Surgical applications include: monitoring cardiac function; evaluating valve repairs.
