Download Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

PATIENT GUIDE and
PREPARATION
Echo
Transesophageal
Echocardiogram
(TEE)
What is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram ?

Transesophageal Echocardiography or TEE is a type of
echocardiography (echo) that uses sound waves to create
pictures of your heart and blood vessels. Echo provides
information about the size and shape of the heart and how
well the heart chambers and valves are working. Patient
having a TEE would have already had a regular Echo (TTE
- transthoracic echocardiography).

Your doctor may recommend TEE if he or she needs more
information than the regular echo can provide. While the
regular echo (TTE) is done by placing a transducer on the
chest. A echo (TEE) is done by placing a special scope
down your throat in your esophagus (the passage leading
from the mouth to the stomach).

TEE creates pictures from inside the esophagus or,
sometimes, from inside the stomach.
Because the
esophagus lies directly behind the heart, TEE provides
closeup pictures of the heart and blood vessels.
Transesophageal echo (TEE) pictures are of a higher
quality as the lungs or ribs are not in the way to cause
interference.
How is the TEE test done?

The TEE will be done by a team of a cardiologist, an
echocardiographer ( echo technologist), and a nurse.

Before the test, the cardiologist will explain the procedure
in detail, including possible complications and side effects.
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
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and will
be requested to sign a consent.

Your test will take place in the operating room suite.

You will need to put on a hospital gown

The technologist will place three electrodes (small, flat,
sticky patches) on your chest. The electrodes are
attached to an electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor that
charts your heart’s electrical activity.

A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm to
monitor your blood pressure.

A small clip, attached to a pulse oximeter, will be placed
on your finger to monitor the oxygen level of your
blood.

You will be given a solution to gargle that will numb
your throat. A spray will be applied to the back of your
throat to provide more freezing. None of this hurts but
the freezing may not taste pleasant.

You will have an IV in your arm. The doctor will put
sedative medications into your IV to help you relax.
You may feel drowsy.

You will be asked to lie on your left side.

A dental suction tip will be placed in your mouth to
remove any secretions.
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
A small mouth piece will be placed between your teeth to
protect the scope.

The doctor will insert a thin, lubricated endoscope into your
mouth, down your throat and into your esophagus. This part
of the test lasts a few seconds and may be uncomfortable.
The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing.
You may be asked to swallow to help pass the endoscope into
the esophagus.

Once the probe is in position, pictures of the heart are
obtained at various angles (you will not feel this part of the
test).

Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level of your
blood will be closely monitored during and immediately after
the exam.

Because of the sedatives administered during the test, you
may not be entirely awake for the test. We will keep you as
comfortable as possible during the test. Tell the health care
team if you feel uncomfortable at any time during the test.
You may feel a temporary soreness or numbness in your
throat after the test.
How do I get ready for the test?

Arrange for someone to be able to drive you to the hospital
and drive you home after the test.
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On the day before the test:

Call the Day Surgery department at 902-749-0231
between 12:30 and 1:30 pm to find out what time to
check in for your procedure.
On the day of the test:

Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the
test.

If your test is in the morning and you are diabetic do not
take your insulin or metformin before the procedure.

If you are taking any other medication , please take them
as you would normally, along with a little water. If you
have any questions about your medication contact your
family doctor or ordering doctor .

If your test is booked in the afternoon, be sure to eat
breakfast 6 hours before the procedure and take all your
medications as you would normally .

Check in at Day Surgery Dept. at the Yarmouth Hospital
75 minutes before your appointment time. (If this time is
changed you will be told when you call Day Surgery on
the day before.)
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
You will be requested to remove dentures before the test.

You will be taken to a room in the Operating/Endoscopy
Suite.

Tell the doctor if you are on blood thinning medication,
have any problems swallowing, have a hiatal hernia or
heart valve disease, or allergies to medications; or any
loose teeth.
What happens after the test?

You will be kept under observation for one hour in the
Day Surgery observation area and then can be driven
home by a responsible adult.

You must be taken home. Going home alone by taxi
or public transportation is not acceptable.

You CANNOT drive your car or operate any dangerous
equipment in the next 24 hours after the test. This is
required because you are considered legally impaired due
to the medication given during the test.

It is recommended that someone stay with you for
24 hours after the procedure.
Can I eat after the test?

It is very important to wait at least two hours after the
test (or until the numbness in your throat is gone) before
eating or drinking. Start by drinking water.
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
If you don’t have any problems drinking water, you can
eat and drink as you normally would.

You may have a mild sore throat for about 24 hours .
How do I get the results of my test?

The cardiologist who did your test will report your test.
A copy of your report will be sent to your doctor.
How long does the test take?

The test will take about 30 minutes. After you have
recovered from the sedation given during the test (about
one hour), you may go home. Remember, you CANNOT
drive yourself home after the test.
NOTES:
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The technologists are unable to give test results. Your doctor
will receive a copy of the report within 1 - 2 weeks of the
procedure.
If you have any questions, concerns or if you are
unable to keep your appointment, please do not
hesitate to call the booking office at 742-2571 or toll
free 1-877-742-2571.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
60 Vancouver Street
Yarmouth, NS
B5A 2P5
Patient Guides available on
http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/guides.htm
SWH promotes a smoke free and scent free environment.
Prepared by – Diagnostic Imaging Department, SWH.
Revised July 2014
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