A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an ultrasound imaging test of the heart.  These images help your physician identify and diagnose problems such as defects to the heart valves, blood clots inside the chambers of the heart, infections that attack the structure of the heart, and conditions such as a patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect.  Since the esophagus lies behind the heart, the TEE probe produces clearer images of the heart than a standard echocardiogram, which is taken from outside of the chest.  During a TEE, harmless sound waves create images of the heart as it pumps blood across the valve and through the chambers of the heart. 

Preparation

·        Tell your physician if you have a history of ulcer disease, are taking medications for ulcer disease, have difficulty swallowing or if you have a hiatal hernia.

·        Inform your physician if you have any allergies to medications.

·        Do not eat or drink for 4 to 6 hours prior to your exam.  Take any prescribed medications with a sip of water unless instructed otherwise.   Diabetic medications, diuretics (“water pills”) and Coumadin (Warfarin, Jantoven) may require special instructions. 

·        Arrange to have a family member or friend drive you home after the procedure.

·        If you wear dentures, you will be asked to remove them for the procedure.

·        You will register as an outpatient and be taken to the cardiac center of the hospital.

·        You will be given a consent form to review and sign.

·        An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm so that you can be given a sedative medication.

·        The back of your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic to produce a numbing sensation.

·        You will be asked to lie on your left side.

·        A cardiologist, nurse and echocardiographic technician will be present throughout the procedure.

·        Your ECG rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels will be monitored throughout the procedure.

·        After the procedure, you will be monitored by the cardiac nurse and the IV line will be removed.  

·        The physician will discuss the results with you or the person who accompanied you.

·        Once you are fully awake, you will be allowed to go home.

·        Avoid eating and drinking, especially hot food and liquids, for at least 2 hours after the test.

·        You should not plan on driving or making any legal decisions for twenty-hour hours after receiving intravenous sedation.