Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 17, 2023.

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a procedure used to check for problems with your heart. It will also show any problems in the blood vessels near your heart. Sound waves are sent to the heart through a tube inserted into your throat. The sound waves show the structure and function of your heart through pictures on a monitor.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
• An IV is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
• Anesthesia is medicine to make you comfortable during the surgery. It will be sprayed in your throat and you may need to gargle it. You will also be given medicine through your IV to help keep you calm and relaxed. You may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery.

During your procedure:

• You will lie down with your chin bent down to touch your chest. A mouthguard will be put into your mouth. The mouthguard keeps you from biting down on the tools that are put into your mouth.
• An ultrasound probe will be put into your mouth and down your throat. The probe is a long, thin, bendable tube with a transducer on the end. You may be asked to swallow several times as it is moved down your throat. The transducer is a small transmitter that sends sound waves to your heart. The sound waves can travel around your heart so pictures of your heart will show up clearly. The TEE usually takes less than 45 minutes.

After your procedure:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.

RISKS:

You may have trouble breathing or an irregular heartbeat. Your esophagus or trachea may tear. Your blood pressure may go too high or too low.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

© Copyright Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Micromedex

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer