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Transesophageal Echocardiography

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Condition Detail

Definition

Echocardiography uses sound waves to make images of the heart. In transesophageal echocardiography, the ultrasound probe is passed down the throat and in to the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus sits very close to the heart. This method allows for clearer images of the heart than other methods.

Reasons for Procedure

This test is done to look for problems of the heart, including:

Enlarged heart
Thickening of the heart walls
Heart valve malfunction
Infection
Blood clots
Other conditions

Abnormal Heart Walls

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Difficulty breathing
Bleeding or damage to the mouth, throat, or esophagus

You may be at higher risk for complications if you:

Have throat problems
Had radiation therapy to the throat
Have a history of stomach ulcers or esophageal varices
Have strictures or narrowing of the esophagus
Have sleep apnea or severe respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Avoid alcohol for several days before the procedure. Alcohol may interfere with the type of sedative used.
Do not eat or drink for 4-8 hours before the procedure.
Arrange to have someone give you a ride home after the procedure.

Anesthesia

You will be given a mild sedative through an IV. You will be sleepy throughout the procedure. A topical anesthetic may also be applied to the back of the throat. This will numb the throat.

Description of the Procedure

You will be asked to lie on your side in a hospital gown. The ultrasound probe will be slid down your throat and into the esophagus until it is near the heart. The device will create active images of the heart. When the imaging is done, the probe will be taken out.

How Long Will It Take?

15-30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

There may be some mild discomfort during the procedure. Most patients sleep through the procedure and remember very little of it. Your throat may be sore for a few days.

Post-procedure Care

You will need a ride home from the procedure. Do not eat or drink until the numbness in your throat wears off. This will keep you from inhaling food or drink into the lungs. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Talk to your doctor about the results of the test.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Sore throat does not subside or worsens
Pain in the throat or chest develops
Difficulty breathing

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

American Heart Association http://www.heart.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

References

Hilberath JN, Oakes DA, Shernan SK, et al. Safety of transesophageal echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2010;23(11):1115-1127.

Niedermeyer J, Daniel WG. Value of transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of diseases of native heart valves. Herz. 1993;18(6):329-340.

Pascoe RD, Oh JK, Warnes CA, Danielson GK, Tajik AJ, Seward JB. Diagnosis of sinus venosus atrial septal defect With transesophageal echocardiography. Circulation. 1996;94:1049-1055.

Transesophageal echocardiography. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Transesophageal-Echocardiography-TEE%5FUCM%5F441655%5FArticle.jsp. Updated June 20, 2012. Accessed May 20, 2013.

Ultrasound (sonography). Radiologic Society of North America Radiology Info website Radiology Info website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus. Updated April 19, 2013. Accessed May 20, 2013.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Michael J. Fucci, DO; Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 05/2013 -
Update Date: 05/20/2013 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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