Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a procedure that helps visualize the heart's structures with unparalleled clarity. It is an advanced imaging technique that aids in the assessment of various cardiac conditions.
At Corrielus Cardiology, we employ cutting-edge cardiac interventional procedures, such as Transesophageal Echocardiography, to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a specialized imaging technique that goes beyond traditional echocardiograms. TEE is like a supercharged version of a heart checkup.
Instead of the usual ultrasound technique used during a traditional echocardiogram, during TTE, a thin flexible tube (called a transducer) is gently moved down your esophagus, giving an up-close view of your heart's chambers, valves, and surrounding structures.
The real-time images from the TEE offer your cardiac specialist a clear view of how your heart is doing and help them make smart decisions about your health.
TEE is often recommended for cases where traditional echocardiograms may not provide sufficient information. TEE can be useful in the following situations.
- Heart Size and Wall Thickness: TEE offers a close-up examination, allowing our team to precisely gauge the size of your heart and the thickness of its walls. This perspective helps identify any anomalies that might impact the heart's structural integrity.
- Assessment of Pumping Efficiency: The procedure is helpful in evaluating how effectively your heart is pumping blood. This critical information helps us understand your heart's overall performance and identify areas that may require attention.
- Detection of Abnormal Tissue: TEE is very efficient in uncovering abnormal tissue around heart valves. This can be indicative of various conditions, including infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) or even cancer. The ability to detect these subtleties contributes to early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
- Identification of Heart Valve Issues: From defects that cause heart murmurs to assessing the functionality of heart valves, TEE helps diagnose heart valve issues. It can also identify issues such as regurgitation (backward blood flow), as well as conditions where valves are stiff, narrowed, or blocked (stenosis).
- Spotting Blood Clots: TEE specializes in locating blood clots, particularly in the upper chambers of the heart resulting from conditions like atrial fibrillation. This capability is crucial for planning appropriate interventions and preventing potential complications.
Here’s what to expect with the TEE procedure at Corrielus Cardiology:
- Before the procedure, our team will provide detailed instructions on any fasting and potential adjustments to your medication that may be needed.
- You will receive a mild sedative to ensure comfort during the procedure. The sedative minimizes any discomfort and ensures you have a smooth TEE experience.
- The transducer, a specialized ultrasound probe, is gently guided into your esophagus.
- The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of your heart.
- Our board-certified cardiologist interprets the images, providing precise insights for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans for your condition.
When addressing your heart health, Corrielus Cardiology is committed to offering the most proven testing services available. Our integrated approach to cardiovascular health prioritizes your overall well-being and quality of life.
To schedule your cardiology consultation, call Corrielus Cardiology at 215-383-5900 or book an appointment online.
