What is Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

Transesophageal echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart. TEE is done by passing a flexible tube down the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

The pictures give detailed images of your heart. This can help your doctor see if there are problems with your heart.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your doctor about hydration, which may include:

• Up to 3 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as:
  • Water.
  • Clear fruit juice.
  • Black coffee.
  • Plain tea.

Eating and drinking

Follow instructions from your doctor about eating and drinking, which may include:

• 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
• 3 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

General instructions

• You will need to take out any dentures or retainers.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
• Ask your doctor about:
  • Changing or stopping your normal medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your doctor tells you to take them.

What happens during the procedure?

• To lower your risk of infection, your doctors will wash or clean their hands.
• An IV will be put into one of your veins.
• You will be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• A medicine may be sprayed or gargled. This numbs the back of your throat.
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing will be watched.
• You may be asked to lay on your left side.
• A bite block will be placed in your mouth. This keeps you from biting the tube.
• The tip of the TEE probe will be placed into the back of your mouth.
• You will be asked to swallow.
• Your doctor will take pictures of your heart.
• The probe and bite block will be taken out.

The procedure may vary among doctors and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be watched until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• When you first wake up, your throat may feel sore and numb. This will get better over time. You will not be allowed to eat or drink until the numbness has gone away.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a medicine to help you relax.

Summary

• TEE is a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of your heart.
• You will be given a medicine to help you relax.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a medicine to help you relax.