What is a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)?
A TEE uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to obtain images of your heart. A thin flexible tube is passed through the mouth down the esophagus and into the stomach. Because of the location of the esophagus and stomach to the heart, pictures of the heart chambers, large vessels, thickness and motion of the heart wall and valves can be obtained. What can I do to prepare for a TEE? • You must sign a consent form for this procedure • You do not eat or drink anything six hours prior to the test • You will have an intravenous line (IV) started prior to the test • You will be asked to remove your dentures prior to going to the procedure room • Consult your doctor regarding medication What happens during the test? You will be given medication to help you relax prior to starting the test. Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic to keep you from gagging. After the medication is given, your doctor will insert the thin flexible tube and an ultrasound image of your heart and ves
