Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a specialized cardiac procedure that provides detailed images of your heart's structures and functions. During this procedure, a tube with an ultrasound device is passed down your esophagus or food pipe to take a series of moving pictures of your heart.

TEE can be used to help detect heart valve diseases, congenital defects, blood clots, infections, and other cardiac abnormalities that may not be visible through external imaging methods.

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we offer expert cardiac care using the latest diagnostic technology. Our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Lilian Ahiable, has extensive experience performing TEEs with precision and patient comfort in mind.

We take a personalized, patient-first approach, ensuring you receive a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and an effective treatment plan tailored to your heart health needs.

Understanding Transesophageal Echocardiogram

During a TEE, high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are used to create precise images of the heart. Unlike a standard echocardiogram, where the transducer is placed externally on the chest, TEE involves guiding a thin, flexible tube with a transducer down the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach.

This diagnostic test provides a closer view of the heart, allowing for clearer and more detailed images of its chambers and valves as blood flows in and out. Since the esophagus is located directly behind the heart, TEE offers enhanced imaging for more accurate diagnostics.

A TEE is different from other forms of echocardiograms or ultrasounds because it takes pictures from within your body rather than from the outside. It may also be combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler methods to show the speed and direction of blood flow through your heart.

Conditions Diagnosed using a TEE

TEE provides comprehensive visuals of the heart's anatomy and functionality, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various conditions, including:

Heart valve diseases: TEE helps evaluate narrowed (stenotic) or leaky (regurgitant) valves, including mitral valve disease, and detects issues such as infections or abnormal growths with prosthetic heart valves.
Congenital heart defects: The TEE can help identify structural abnormalities present from birth, aiding in treatment planning.
Aortic aneurysm: It can detect dangerous bulging in the aorta, the body's largest blood vessel, that can lead to life-threatening complications.
Blood clots in the heart: Particularly crucial for those with atrial fibrillation, TEE can help locate blood clots in the atria (upper heart chambers) to prevent strokes or other complications.
Cardiac tumors: TEE can help identify both cancerous and noncancerous growths inside or around the heart.
Pericardial disease: TEE can assess inflammation or fluid buildup caused by pericardial disease in the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart.
Infective endocarditis: TEE helps identify infections affecting the heart valves or inner lining.

Reasons to get a TEE Procedure

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we may recommend a TEE for the following reasons:

Diagnose or manage heart conditions: When a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed on the outside of your chest does not provide sufficient detail, TEE offers clearer, more precise images of your heart. It is often used as a follow-up to a TTE when additional imaging is required for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Support critical care: TEE provides real-time insights into heart function, helping guide medical decisions for conditions like heart attack and cardiac arrest.
Pre-procedural assessment: Before certain interventions, such as cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, a TEE may be used to check for blood clots in the heart and ensure that the procedure can be performed safely.
Guide cardiac procedures: During catheter-based interventions, TEE delivers real-time, high-resolution imaging, helping ensure precision and safety throughout the procedure.

What to Expect During A TEE

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we prioritize your comfort and clear communication throughout the TEE process. Our specialized expertise ensures accurate interpretation of results, leading to precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Before TEE

Before your TEE, we carefully review your medical history, existing conditions, and current medications to confirm that TEE is the right diagnostic approach for you. Sometimes, we may also request blood tests to assess your health needs.

Our team explains the steps in detail, including what to expect before, during, and after the TEE procedure. This is a good time for you to ask any questions and address any concerns you may have.

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we provide clear, personalized guidance to help you get ready for your procedure.

Medication management: If necessary, we provide guidance on adjusting medications before the procedure.
Fasting: Refraining from eating or drinking for at least 6 hours before the procedure is advised.
Alcohol restrictions: Avoid alcoholic beverages for several days leading up to your test.
Transportation arrangements: We recommend you arrange for someone to drive you home post-procedure for your safety and comfort.

During TEE

Before starting, we ask you to remove any jewelry or objects that might interfere with the imaging process. If you wear dentures or other oral prosthetics, they will need to be removed. You will also be asked to empty your bladder and change into a hospital gown.

You will lie on your left side on the exam table, with a pillow or wedge placed behind your back for support. Our team connects you to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to track your heart's electrical activity throughout the procedure. We also monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing rate to ensure your safety.

To minimize discomfort, we give you a numbing solution to gargle with and spray your throat with a local anesthetic. This helps prevent gagging or irritation when the probe is inserted. An IV line may be placed in your arm or hand, allowing us to administer sedation medication to help you feel relaxed. You may also receive oxygen through a nasal cannula if needed.

Once you are comfortable, our provider gently inserts a thin, flexible endoscope with a small ultrasound transducer at its tip into your mouth. The tube is lubricated for easier insertion, and you may be asked to swallow at certain points to help guide it into the correct position within your esophagus.

As the transducer moves into position, it takes detailed images of your heart from multiple angles. You should not feel any pain, but you may experience mild pressure in your chest as our provider adjusts the probe. This imaging process typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. Once all necessary images are captured, our provider carefully removes the probe from your throat.

After TEE

We monitor your heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure you are stable. Once your gag reflex returns, your vital signs are stable, and you are more alert, our team carefully removes the ECG electrode pads, oxygen probe, and IV line. You can then change back into your clothes.

You are cleared to go home on the same day unless any further observation is necessary. It is common to feel weak, tired, or groggy for the rest of the day, especially if you received sedation.

Your throat may feel sore for a few days due to the probe insertion, but this typically resolves on its own. Most people feel completely normal by the following day.

You may return to your regular diet and daily activities. While no special aftercare is typically required, our team provides personalized post-procedure guidance based on your health needs.

Result of TEE

Our provider will discuss the findings with you and explain what they mean for your heart health. Our team is always available to assist you if you have any questions about your results.

Get Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) in St. Petersburg, FL

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we prioritize your comfort and safety, offering comprehensive guidance before, during, and after TEE. Our experienced cardiologist is dedicated to delivering precise diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to support your heart health.

To schedule an appointment, call 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a TEE an invasive procedure?

Yes, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is considered an invasive procedure because it involves inserting a specialized ultrasound probe into the esophagus. While you may experience mild discomfort, the risk of complications is low, and the procedure is carefully monitored for safety.

Does a TEE require anesthesia?

Most TEEs are performed with local anesthesia and moderate sedation to ensure comfort. Our provider will:

Numb your throat with a topical anesthetic spray.
Administer sedation through an IV to help you relax.
General anesthesia (deep sleep) is rarely needed, but your provider will determine the best approach based on your needs.

Are you awake during a TEE?

With moderate sedation, you’ll be drowsy but awake, and you shouldn’t feel significant discomfort. Our team will monitor you closely and adjust sedation as needed. If general anesthesia is required, you will be fully asleep and placed on a breathing machine, which may extend your recovery time.

How long does a TEE take?

The entire TEE procedure typically lasts up to 90 minutes, but the actual imaging process usually takes only about 15 minutes. The remaining time is used for preparation, sedation, and recovery to ensure your safety and comfort.