Transesophagal Echocardiogram (TEE)

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Transesophagal Echocardiogram (TEE)

What is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram?
Echocardiography is a test of the heart using sound waves. It is often the best test to find out how well your heart is working.

How is the test done?
Transesophagal Echocardiography uses sound waves to look at your heart. It is done by having you swallow a flexible tube. The sound wave pictures of your heart are taken through your esophagus (the swallowing tube which connects your mouth and your stomach). You must not eat or drink for at least four hours before the test. Your throat will be sprayed with a numbing medicine so that you don't gag when you swallow the tube. You may be given some medicine through your vein to make you drowsy. This test will take about twenty minutes. After the test is finished, we will keep you for about 30 minutes to make sure you are all right.

What are the risks for this test?
There are no known harmful effects caused by the sound waves used in Echocardiography. Since you are swallowing a flexible tube, you may vomit and afterwards have a sore throat. The risk of more serious complications is very small. These include bleeding caused by the tube you have swallowed, or by vomit getting into your lungs. To keep these from happening, we will have you lying on your side, and will clean fluids out of your mouth. If you have artificial heart valves, you will be given antibiotics to keep your heart valves from becoming infected. If you have any questions about the test, ask your doctor or call the Cardiovascular Lab at (432) 640-1160.

What happens after the test is done?
Since you are given medicine to make you drowsy, you must bring someone take you home.

You should not:

Eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the test.
Drive or run machinery for at least 12 hours.
Sign any important or legal papers for 12 hours.

For the next 24 hours you may be drowsy, forgetful, or experience numbness or soreness in your throat.

Go to the Emergency Room right away if you have:

Trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Bleeding from your stomach or mouth.
Chills and fever (above 100°F).
Worsening pain when swallowing.

Results of your test will be added to your chart. You will get your results next time you visit your doctor.

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