What is transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?

ANSWER: WATCH this Video !  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAarvQynTH4

As opposed to the standard echocardiogram, in which the transducer is placed over the chest wall, in TEE the transducer is passed into the esophagus (swallowing pipe) and is positioned directly behind the heart. The transducer bounces sound waves off the heart and images of the cardiac structures are produced. TEE is useful in patients in whom adequate echo images cannot be obtained by standard echo techniques.

Are you eligible for this procedure?

Patients with structural heart disease with an inadequate information from standard transthoracic echocardiogram may need TEE. Patient with bleeding tendency, esophageal disease, difficult swallowing, some drug allergy, C-spine (Neck instability) diseases, rheumatoid arthritis may be contraindicated for the TEE.

Any side effects or adverse risks? The complication is rare. However,

the following conditions can occur.

§  Transient throat pain or difficult swallowing        

§  Laryngospasm

§  Shortness of breath

§  Aspiration

§  Esophageal rupture requiring surgery

§  Somnolence

§  Respiratory failure

§  Cardiac arrest/death

What would you expect before the procedure?

-         You are required not to eat or drink (except your regular medication) for at least 6 hours.

-         You are required to get changes to the comfortable patient gown before the exam.

-         You are required to remove your dentures and glasses before the exam.

-         You will be explained and instructed about the test, and asked to sign the consent form.

-         Your will be given a few puffs of local anesthesia spray to your throat and IV medication for conscious sedation.

-         You will be placed on blood pressure cuff over your arm, ECG patch over your chest and belly for ECG monitoring, and a small finger clip for oxygen monitoring.

-         You will be positioned rolling over your left side.

-         The procedure will take about 30-60 minutes

What would you expect after the procedure?

-         You will be closely monitored in the recovery room.

-         You will be referred to the referral doctor to discuss about the results.

-         In case of urgency or emergency, the doctor at echocardiography lab will discuss with you and your referral doctor, and manage appropriately.

-         You are not allowed to drive because you will be likely to have intravenous conscious sedation during the procedure.

Recommendation after the procedure:

-         No oral intake until no difficulty swallowing.

-         Do not drive within 12 hours after the procedure if sedation is used.

Lab: Location: Noninvasive Lab, Bhumisiri Building FL 4

New Technology:

Real-time 3D and 4D echocardiogram is the state –of-the-art in ultrasound technology which acquire images in a pyramidal shape instead of scanned plane. The 3-D technology allows us to better understand complex anatomy of the heart and locate the pathology especially in mitral valve diseases, ASD, and guiding for surgical and percutaneous interventions.