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Your heart works tirelessly, pumping blood and maintaining the rhythm of your life. But sometimes, understanding what’s happening inside requires a closer look—literally. That’s where the TEE test, or transesophageal echocardiogram, comes into play.
The TEE test is an advanced imaging technique that is used to diagnose and evaluate complex cardiac issues that other tests might miss.
But why would your doctor recommend a TEE test for you? What conditions does it help diagnose, and how does it work? Let’s break it all down to give you a clear understanding of when and why this specialized heart diagnostic test might be necessary for your heart.
The transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE test is an advanced type of echocardiogram that takes heart diagnostics to the next level. While traditional echocardiograms use ultrasound devices placed on the chest to assess heart health, a TEE test goes further.
Instead of placing the ultrasound device on your chest, during the TEE test, a thin, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe (called a transducer) is inserted into your esophagus (food pipe) while you are under sedation.
The esophagus is used for this test due to its close proximity to the heart. This allows the probe to capture highly detailed, real-time images of your heart’s chambers, valves, and nearby structures.
This unique approach allows your cardiologist to get closer to the heart without interference from the chest wall, ribs, or lungs.
The precise and vivid visuals provided by the TEE test give your cardiac specialist a detailed understanding of your heart’s condition. This clarity makes it an invaluable tool for diagnosing complex heart issues and optimizing treatment plans.
The TEE test can effectively assess structural or functional issues with the heart. Common heart conditions that the TEE test can help diagnose include:
A TEE test is recommended when doctors need detailed information about your heart that other tests, like a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, might not provide. Here are some scenarios when a TEE test is recommended.
A TEE test can provide a detailed view of your heart’s structure, such as the size, shape, and thickness of its walls. Such detail can be useful to diagnose structural abnormalities in heart valves and chamber walls.
A TEE test can help gauge how well your heart chambers, valves, and blood vessels are working. It can help identify issues that may affect proper blood flow through the heart.
If you experience persistent symptoms like shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or chest pain, and standard tests fail to provide answers, a TEE test may offer the clarity needed to identify the problem.
A TEE test can also effectively detect blood clots. If you’ve experienced a stroke or vascular issue, the test can help trace the origin of clots, providing essential information for preventive care.
TEE can provide real-time imaging before and during certain heart procedures to help make precise decisions. It can also be used after surgery to monitor post-surgery complications and ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Please note that a TEE test is usually recommended when highly detailed imaging of a specific area of the heart is required.
The TEE test can be performed as an outpatient procedure or during a hospital stay. Before the procedure, your doctor will provide specific instructions, such as fasting or adjusting medications. You will be given a mild sedative to minimize any gagging or discomfort during the test.
Once the sedative takes effect, your throat will be numbed, and a thin, flexible ultrasound probe will be gently inserted into your esophagus. This probe emits high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. You may be asked to shift positions slightly for the best view. Once the imaging is complete, the probe will be removed.
The entire process, from preparation to imaging, typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Your vitals will be monitored briefly as the sedative wears off. You will be discharged once you're fully awake and feeling stable.
It is normal to experience a slight sore throat or some mild discomfort after the test, but these symptoms usually resolve within a day or two.
A TEE test is not just another heart diagnostic test. It offers several unique advantages that make it an essential tool for understanding complex heart conditions.
1. High-Resolution Images of the Heart
Since the ultrasound probe is positioned in the esophagus, right next to the heart, the sound waves don’t have to pass through skin, muscle, or bone. This eliminates interference and allows the test to produce incredibly clear and detailed images of the heart’s structures.
2. Supports Accurate Diagnosis
With its ability to provide such precise imaging, the TEE test minimizes the risk of misdiagnosis. It helps pinpoint abnormalities and assess heart conditions with exceptional accuracy, ensuring the right treatment plan is created from the start.
3. Minimally Invasive
Although a TEE test requires more preparation than other diagnostic tests, there are no incisions involved in the procedure. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed under anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
4. Versatile Heart Diagnostic Test
The TEE test can address a wide range of diagnostic needs, from identifying congenital heart defects to evaluating artificial heart valves or post-surgical complications.
A TEE test is a valuable tool that plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing specific heart conditions. If your cardiologist has suggested this test, it is because they need a detailed look at your heart to guide your care.
At Corrielus Cardiology in Philadelphia, PA, we specialize in advanced heart diagnostics like the TEE test to provide our patients with accurate, personalized care.
If you have questions about the TEE test or want to discuss your heart health, we’re just a call away. To schedule a cardiology consultation with Corrielus Cardiology, please call 215-874-3836 or book an appointment online.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions, but generally, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the test. This is to ensure that your stomach is empty and to reduce the risk of complications.
While the TEE test is generally safe, it does come with some minor risks, such as a sore throat, bleeding, or in rare cases, injury to the esophagus. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks with you beforehand.
Your doctor will review the results of your Transesophageal Echocardiogram and typically discuss them with you during a follow-up appointment.
It’s recommended to have a friend or family member accompany you, especially since you will be sedated during the test. They can drive you home and make sure you’re comfortable after the procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything for at least one to one and a half hours before consuming anything until the numbness in your throat wears off. Attempting to eat or drink too soon could cause choking.
