Because the workings of the heart are very intricate, sometimes an transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is performed to get a more complete and precise "picture."
TEE uses sound waves to create high-quality moving pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. Because TEE is a type of echocardiogram (echo), it shows the size and shape of the heart and how well the heart chambers and valves are working.
- The size of the heart and how thick its walls are.
- How well the heart is pumping.
- If there is abnormal tissue around the heart valves.
- If blood is leaking backward through the heart valves (regurgitation) or if the valves are narrowed or blocked (stenosis).
In some cases, your doctor may use TEE to guide device placement in a cardiac catheterization lab, help prepare for surgery or assess a patient's status during or after surgery.
Who needs it?
Depending on your child's symptoms and medical history, your pediatric cardiologist may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to help diagnose a heart or blood vessel disease or condition. TEE can be used for adults and children. Doctors may use TEE before, during and after surgery for:
What to expect
Most people are anxious about any kind of medical exam. We will walk you through the process every step of the way so that you know what to expect, and we'll answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any concerns.
If the patient is a child, we recommend that you talk to your child before your appointment and explain, in an age appropriate manner, why they are having the procedure and how it will help them. Knowing this ahead of time can help to ease their fears.
Prior to your scheduled visit, you will receive a letter with the dates and times of your pre-admission and your procedure. You will also receive a call confirming your appointment. At that time, we will go over the procedure and any eating and drinking instructions.
On the day of your procedure, it is very important that you arrive on time. Since you will be admitted on the day of the procedure, we will need to do a pre-admission work-up that day as well. Please bring any medications you/your child are currently taking.
Just prior to the procedure, the patient will be given medicine to help him or her relax or sleep during the TEE. This helps the patient remain still so the doctor can safely insert the probe and take good pictures of the heart and blood vessels.
The doctor will insert the probe through the mouth, then gently guide it into the esophagus. The esophagus lies directly behind the heart.
The test typically takes less than an hour, after which the patient will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored.
If your child becomes ill with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory symptoms within 24 hours of your procedure, please call us and let us know at 1-800-244-0830 or 682-885-2140.