This is a painless test that uses sound waves to show images of the heart muscle contracting and relaxing as well as the opening and closing of the heart valves. This can also sometimes show areas of heart muscle or valve damage.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Sometimes your doctor needs a better picture than he/she can get with a regular echocardiogram so a TEE is ordered. With a TEE, your doctor can get pictures with sound waves from inside your body. This is done by inserting a flexible tube into your mouth, through your throat and into your esophagus. At the tip of this tube is a small probe that bounces the sound waves off of your heart and sends the picture back to the viewer. Before the test you will be asked to not have any food or liquids for 4-6 hours before the test. You may take your medication with small sips of water.
Your throat will be numb from medication, but you will be asked to swallow to help move the tube into the correct position. You will be given medicine to help you relax, so you will have little or no discomfort.
The test usually takes between 20-40 minutes. You will need someone to drive you home after the test because of the medication. You will not be able to eat or drink after the test until the numbness in your throat has worn off. Be very cautious with hot foods or liquids for 4-6 hours after the test. You may have a sore throat for a day or two after the test.
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