A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) provides a better view of the heart than a standard echocardiogram, especially in cases where obstructions such as excess body fat or abnormal position make it difficult to get a good view. TEEs are typically performed when a person is unconscious or heavily sedated and can have side effects such as a sore throat. It is important to have a cardiologist with experience in TEEs and to ask about their background before undergoing the procedure. TEEs are particularly useful during heart surgeries where the heart is open.
A transesophageal echocardiogram, usually abbreviated to TEE, is a type of echocardiogram that views the heart from inside the esophagus instead of outside the chest and upper abdomen. It can have several benefits when it comes to having a good view of the heart. One of them is that the Doppler is much closer to the heart and there are few obstacles to the sound waves that help create the image of the heart. This is not always the case when doing standard echoes especially on adults or children where obstructions such as excess body fat or abnormal position can make it difficult to get a good view.
Unlike the standard echocardiogram, the transesophageal echocardiogram is not usually done when people are conscious. Because the Doppler is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, consciousness could make it extremely difficult. People may vomit, even with special sprays that eliminate it to some extent. It may also be uncomfortable to feel the Doppler wire down and feel its manipulations.
For this reason, the transesophageal echocardiogram is typically performed when a person is unconscious or heavily sedated. Throat spray is used to prevent vomiting, which could still occur in an unconscious or partially conscious state. For many people a simple TEE could be an outpatient procedure and people could go home the same day after recovering from any anesthesia.
One of the indications for TEE is during actual surgeries where the heart is open. Even with open heart surgery, full visualization of the heart is not always possible. Using the transesophageal echocardiogram, which does not interfere with the surgical site, all structures of the heart can be visualized. This can help determine the success of surgeries before the chest is closed.
Not all cardiologists are experts in transesophageal echocardiography, and it is important to have a cardiologist with some experience in this field. Although rare, there can be damage to the throat or perforations in the esophagus if this procedure is performed without the appropriate skill level. Some cardiologists will refer patients to experts if they feel a TEE is warranted, and anyone undergoing this procedure should consider asking about the doctor’s background and experience with TEEs. Echocardiologists are generally the most experienced in this field.
Unlike the standard echo, there can usually be some side effects after undergoing the transesophageal echocardiogram. The best known of these is a sore throat, which can range from mildly annoying to quite painful. The sore throat can last for several days, and if it seems to get worse, patients should see their doctor.
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