What is TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) full details

What is TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram)

 Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a medical procedure that provides detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures. It is a special form of echocardiography, which is an invisible technique that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. The main difference of TEE is that it involves placing a probe closer to the heart in the esophagus to obtain a clearer and more detailed image than traditional echocardiography.

The following is an implementation of TEE:

1. Preparation: To reduce discomfort during the procedure, the patient is usually given a sedative or local anesthetic to numb the throat. Patients will also be asked to fast for a few hours before the test.

2. Insertion of the probe: A specialized ultrasound probe with a transducer is inserted into the patient's throat and esophagus. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the heart structures and create images.

3. Image acquisition: The healthcare provider moves the probe to obtain images of the heart and its valves, chambers, and blood flow patterns. Because the esophagus is close to the heart, TEE provides more detailed and clear images compared to a standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), which is performed from outside the chest.

4. Monitoring: During the procedure, the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, are closely monitored.
5. Remove the probe: Gently remove the probe after obtaining the appropriate image.

TEE is used for many types of diagnostics, including:

1. Heart valve measurements and models.
2. Assess ventricular and muscle function.
3. To check for blood clots, tumors, or other conditions in or around the heart.
4. Diagnosis of heart defects.
5. Look for the cause of unexplained symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. 6. Learn about procedures such as heart surgery and repair or replacement of heart valves.

TEE is considered a good diagnostic tool and is useful when administered by a trained physician. It provides important information for the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. However, it is an invasive procedure as it requires insertion of a probe into the throat and is usually only used when more detailed images and better results are needed. Prior to TEE, patients should discuss any concerns or questions about the procedure with their doctor.

What is the purpose of TEE

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Stanford Health Care We use TEE for the following purposes: To measure how well the ventricles, valves, and arteries are working to maintain blood flow in the heart. Blood clots are checked in the heart to guide the treatment of atrial fibrillation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm (irregular heartbeat)).

How serious is TEE?

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Risks Stanford Healthcare At Stanford University, we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our patients during TEE. The risks of TEE are: Damage to the esophagus, including bleeding or rupture (very rare) Antibiotics, including nausea and difficulty breathing, used to relieve the patient during the procedure.

Is the TEE test painful?

Your throat will be anesthetized and a tube the size of your index finger will be inserted into your mouth and down your esophagus. You may feel the probe move during the operation, but this does not cause pain or affect your breathing. Does TEE require anesthesia? In the cardiac setting, TEE is usually performed by nebulization under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia with or without sedation is used in the oropharynx. A sedative, such as midazolam, is usually given before the examination to facilitate the procedure and make the patient comfortable.

What happens afterTEE?

After being drugged, you may stand unsteady on your feet. It may take several hours for the effect of the medicine to wear off. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness or fatigue. This checklist gives you an idea of ​​how long recovery will take.

What's wrong withTEE?

This study found that more than 3% of patients who received TEE during transcatheter structural heart intervention had serious complications, which are more common in patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy or in the elderly.

What are the alternatives to theTEE test?

Intracardiac echocardiography is a safe and effective alternative to left atrial transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of atrial appendage thrombus during atrial fibrillation ablation: the ICE-TEE study. Pacing Clinical Electrophysiology.

Is TEE endoscopy?

Functionally, the two devices are very different. An endoscope may have a small camera on its long axis to provide professionals with real-time videos or pictures of the human esophagus and other areas. The TEE probe uses ultrasound images and is designed to monitor the heart.

Which 5 abnormalities can be found on an echocardiogram?

Echocardiography Echocardiography can help identify: 1 Heart valve abnormalities. 2 Congenital heart disease (an abnormality at birth) 3 Heart attack that damages the heart. 4 The heart complains. 5 Infection (pericarditis) or sac fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)