About Transesophageal Echocardiography
What to Expect before, during, and after TEE
How to Diagnose and Manage Heart Problems?
Contact Dr Arun for Transesophageal Echocardiography
About Transesophageal Echocardiography
Transesophageal Echocardiography is also called Echocardiogram Transesophageal (TEE). It is a special type of an echocardiogram that looks at the heart from inside the esophagus rather than from outside the chest. It takes detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures. This is done for the purpose of evaluating the heart and its structures. This test utilizes high-frequency sound wave technology to produce images of the heart. TEE shows a more detailed and clear view of the heart structures. It even helps to identify any abnormalities. It is especially useful in detecting problems such as blockage in the heart’s chambers, birth defects, heart murmurs, and aneurysms.
What Does TEE Show?
Transesophageal Echocardiography can show the size, shape and motion of the heart and its internal parts like the valves and chambers. It also helps to examine how well the heart is functioning and detect any abnormalities. The images produced by TEE can be consulted to diagnose and manage most heart problems like a hole in the heart wall, thickened heart walls, leaky valves, clogged arteries and other heart malformations. It shows how well the heart is functioning and can detect many heart problems.
Why TEE Is Performed?
Transesophageal Echocardiography is typically done when other tests, such as a regular echocardiogram, can’t provide the necessary level of detail for a diagnosis. It is also used for patients with serious heart conditions or those who have already undergone surgery.
How TEE Is Performed?
Transesophageal Echocardiography is performed by passing a small probe with a transducer down the patient’s throat and into their esophagus. The special device is made to pass through the throat and behind the heart. The transducer then sends out sound waves and receives the echoes that bounce off the heart structures, which are displayed in real time on a monitor. TEE is a safe and painless procedure, and many patients are able to undergo the test while they are awake. A sedative may be provided in certain cases to help the patient relax or sleep. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and the results are typically available within a few days.
Complications with TEE
Transesophageal Echocardiography is normally safe and does not cause any complications. However, some people may experience throat irritation, nausea, lightheadedness and a feeling of compression in the chest. The doctor may also prescribe some medicine before performing this test to ease out any such complications.
What to Expect before, during, and after TEE
- Before TEE is performed, the patient is given a sedative and a local anesthetic to relax the throat and reduce any discomfort. This helps make the procedure safe and comfortable.
- During the test, a tube with an imaging device is passed down the throat into the esophagus and then used to capture images from different angles.
- Once the TEE test is completed, the results are analyzed and used to diagnose & manage heart problems.
How to Diagnose and Manage Heart Problems?
Transesophageal Echocardiography helps doctors view the heart in greater detail, allowing them to diagnose and manage heart related problems. TEE is used to diagnose and treat a variety of heart problems, including heart valve diseases, blood clots, heart muscle diseases, and congenital heart defects. It can provide a clearer view of the heart and help doctors get more accurate information. By using TEE, doctors are better able to detect and manage heart problems, allowing them to offer a more comprehensive level of care.
Contact Dr Arun for Transesophageal Echocardiography
In conclusion, Transesophageal Echocardiography is a safe and effective way to diagnose and manage most heart problems. It can show the size, shape and motion of the heart and detect any abnormalities. The TEE allows doctors to see closer and clearer images of the heart that may not be seen using regular echocardiogram. Therefore, if you are experiencing any heart-related problems, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before undergoing this test. For those facing heart-related issues, TEE can provide critical information to help diagnose and manage the problem. Talk to Dr Arun about requesting a TEE for you or for a loved one.
