What should I expect during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
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Deborah Davis answered:Before the test, the health care provider will explain the procedure in detail, including possible complications and side effects. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.You will be taken to the Echo lab, a testing area that is supervised by a physician. You will be given a hospital gown to wear. The sonographer will place three electrodes on your chest. The electrodes are attached to an EKG monitor that charts your heart's electrical activity. A blood pressure monitor will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. A small clip,attached to a pulse oximeter will be placed on your finger to monitor the oxygen level of your blood. You will be given a solution to gargle that will numb your throat. The sonographer will spray an anesthetic (pain -relieving medication) at the back of your throat. The doctor will put medications into your IV to help you relax. You may feel drowsy. You will be asked to lie on your left
side on an exam table. A dental suction tip will be placed in your mouth to remove any secretions. The doctor will insert a thin lubricated endoscope into your mouth, down your throat and into your esophagus. This part of the test lasts a few seconds and may be uncomfortable. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing. You may be asked to swallow at certain times to help pass the endoscope. Once the probe is in position, pictures of the heart are obtained at various angles ( you will not feel this part of the test). Your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level of your blood will be closely monitored during and immediately after the exam.Before the test, the health care provider will explain the procedure in detail, including possible complications and side effects. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.You will be taken to the Echo lab, a testing area that is... More -
Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute answered:You can expect the following during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE):
- First, an IV line will be placed into a vein in your hand or arm so that you can be sedated. Several small adhesive patches connected to an EKG (electrocardiograph) device will be placed on your chest. This device records the electrical activity of your heart. Other monitors include a blood-pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter, which is clipped to your finger and measures the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.
- You will be asked to gargle a liquid to numb your throat, which will make it easier for the physician to advance a slender, flexible tube known as an endoscope into your mouth and esophagus. A spray anesthetic will also be administered to the back portion of your throat. Also, a suction tip similar to the type used in a dentist's office will remove any secretions from your mouth.
- Once you are adequately sedated, you will be helped to lie on your left side. You may experience some brief discomfort as the physician inserts the endoscope. When the device is in place, it will record close-up images of your heart from a number of angles. During this part of the test, you should not feel any discomfort. The procedure overall takes about 90 minutes.
You can expect the following during a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): First, an IV line will be placed into a vein in your hand or arm so that you can be sedated. Several small adhesive patches connected to an EKG (electrocardiograph) device... More -
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:During a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) procedure -- a test that allows the cardiologist to visualize the heart, its chambers, and valves by inserting a flexible tube down the esophagus (food pipe) -- the nurse will monitor you. You will be placed on a heart monitor and your blood pressure and oxygen level will be monitored frequently. An intravenous line (IV) will be started so that you may receive medication to sedate you. You will lie on your left side during the procedure. Oxygen will be given via nasal cannula.
The doctor will obtain consent from you and will spray your throat with an anesthetic. You will be asked to swallow the TEE probe. Once the probe is in place, the procedure will last about 15-20 minutes. Suction will be available for any secretions that may build up and we ask that you try not to swallow. When you are fully awake and vital signs are stable you may leave with a responsible adult.During a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) procedure -- a test that allows the cardiologist to visualize the heart, its chambers, and valves by inserting a flexible tube down the esophagus (food pipe) -- the nurse will monitor you. You... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:If you're having heart surgery -- or if a standard echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) produces poor images -- your healthcare provider may order a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). With TEE, a provider will numb your throat and guide a transducer into your esophagus (through your mouth) until it rests directly behind your heart. From this vantage point, the transducer can obtain high-quality images of your heart from all sides.
During a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), a transducer is placed into your esophagus, but a sedative helps you relax and you don't remember the procedure. An anesthetic spray numbs your throat.If you're having heart surgery -- or if a standard echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) produces poor images -- your healthcare provider may order a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). With TEE, a provider will numb your throat and guide a... More
