Transesophageal Echo (TEE)
A TEE test is a type of echo test in which the ultrasound transducer, positioned on an endoscope, is guided down the patient’s throat into the esophagus.
Why is this test performed?
The test is used to:
- Assess the overall function of your heart’s valves and chambers
- Determine the presence of many types of heart disease, such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses and congenital heart disease
- Evaluate the effectiveness of valve surgery
- Evaluate abnormalities of the left atrium
Instructions for Transesophogeal Echocardiogram (TEE)
- You must not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the TEE. Ask your doctor if you can take your usual medication(s).
- Please tell the doctor before the exam if you have any problems swallowing or if you have had any problems with sedation or anesthesia in the past.
- You will be asked to arrive at the hospital earlier before the procedure.
- You MUST bring a responsible adult with you to escort you home.