What is the transesophageal echocardiogram TEE used for?

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) uses echocardiography to assess the structure and function of the heart. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves.

Is transesophageal echocardiogram necessary?

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is recommended in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, but use of this strategy is variable. Objective: To evaluate whether TEE is necessary before AF ablation in patients treated with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

What is the difference between TTE and TEE?

As compared with TTE, TEE offers superior visualization of posterior cardiac structures because of close proximity of the esophagus to the posteromedial heart with lack of intervening lung and bone. This proximity permits use of high-frequency imaging transducers that afford superior spatial resolution.

What does a transesophageal echocardiogram show?

TEE is a type of echocardiography (echo). Echo shows the size and shape of the heart and how well the heart chambers and valves are working. Echo can pinpoint areas of heart muscle that aren’t contracting well because of poor blood flow or injury from a previous heart attack.

Are you put to sleep for a TEE?

Once you arrive After changing into a hospital gown, you’ll meet your nurse. They’ll place an intravenous (IV) catheter into one of your veins, usually in your hand or arm. The IV will be used to give you anesthesia (medication to make you sleep) during your procedure.

When would you use a transesophageal echocardiogram?

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram. It is usually done when your doctor wants to look more closely at your heart to see if it could be producing blood clots. Like an echocardiogram, the TEE uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the structures of the heart.

Are you awake during TEE?

Because of the sedative, you may not be entirely awake for the test. Your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level of your blood will be closely monitored during and immediately after the exam. The TEE takes approximately 90 minutes for preparation and procedure.

How long does a TEE procedure last?

How long does the test take? The test will take about 90 minutes. Afterwards, you may need more tests. Otherwise, your driver can take you home.

Does TEE require anesthesia?

Conscious sedation is an anesthesia technique frequently used to facilitate transesophageal echocardiography, but it is not really necessary for performing routine adult cases. Children and complicated circumstances generally do warrant sedation.

Are you intubated for a TEE?

The patient needs to have tracheal intubation and have cardiac monitoring prior to TEE probe placement.

How does a transesophageal echocardiography test work?

Transesophageal (tranz-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul) echocardiography (EK-o-kar-de-OG-rah-fee), or TEE, is a test that uses sound waves to create high-quality moving pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. TEE involves a flexible tube (probe) with a transducer at its tip.

Do you have to fast for transesophageal echocardiography?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) most often is done in a hospital. You usually will need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours prior to the test. Your doctor will let you know exactly how long you should fast.

What does a 2 D Echo look like?

A 2-D echo view appears cone-shaped on the monitor. It shows the real-time motion of the heart’s structures. This lets the doctor see the various heart structures at work and evaluate them using a single slice or 2-dimensional image. 3-D (three-dimensional) echocardiography.

How is the M-mode echocardiogram used in medicine?

M-mode echo is useful for measuring heart structures, such as the heart’s pumping chambers, the size of the heart itself, and the thickness of the heart walls. Doppler echocardiography. This Doppler technique is used to assess blood flow through the heart’s chambers and valves.