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Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
Cardiac Diagnostic Unit Clinic 2K
Durham NC 27710
(919) 684-5295 Press 1
Your physician has scheduled a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) for you on:
Date:
Time:
Location of the study:
Ordering Physician:
Phone:
This study is performed to evaluate your heart by using images created from ultrasound, using a thin
flexible probe that is passed into your esophagus (food tube). You will be given medication to help numb
your throat so that you can swallow the probe more easily. You will also be given medication through
an IV (intravenous) catheter to help you relax during the procedure. Your heart rate, blood pressure and
breathing will be monitored during the procedure. Oxygen will be given as a preventive measure and
suction may also be used, as needed. After the procedure, driving is not allowed for 24 hours (because
of the use of sedatives). Eating and drinking should be avoided for at least two hours because your
throat will still be numb and the food or drink could be aspirated into the lungs. Your throat may be sore
and throat lozenges can be used two hours after the procedure. It is unusual to experience bleeding,
persistent pain or fever. If they occur, they should be reported to your physician immediately.
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
If you must take medications, take them with only a sip of water.
2. A driver must bring you to your appointment and stay with you the entire time.
***You may not drive for 24 hours after the procedure. If no one is available to
accompany you and drive you home, the study will be cancelled and
rescheduled.***
3. Notify the doctor or nurse if you have allergies, diabetes, difficulty swallowing or
have problems with your mouth, esophagus or stomach.
4. Please bring a current list of your medications.
DAY OF APPOINTMENT
Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time. This allows extra time for parking and check-in.
Expect to be in the clinic for 2 to 3 hours from your scheduled time. Due to the small size of the waiting
room we ask that you limit the persons with you to no more than two. Children must be accompanied
by an adult at all times.
STUDY LOCATION
Duke Hospital, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
Parking is located across the street from the hospital. The entry into the parking deck is from
Elba Street (via Fulton Street) or from Erwin Road. Valet parking ($7 cost) is available in the
circle in front of Duke Hospital. Wheelchairs are available in the main hospital lobby and on the
T level in the parking deck for your use. The CDU does not provide parking vouchers.
Check-in at the Cardiac Catheterization Waiting Room. As you enter Duke Hospital, take the
main elevator to the 7th floor, exit the elevator to the right and turn left into first hallway. The
Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab Waiting Room (Room 7416) is the first single door on the
right.
Duke Clinic, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710
Parking is available in the Trent Drive parking deck. Valet parking is available in the circle in
front of the Duke Clinic building. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby. The CDU does not
provide parking vouchers.
Clinic 2K is on the second floor. From the ground level, take the silver elevators or the escalator
to the second floor and follow the signs to Clinic 2K. Information desks are available to assist
with finding clinics.
The physician who ordered the study will have the results within 24-48 hours of the study. CONTACT
THE ORDERING PHYSICIAN TO ASK ABOUT THE RESULTS.
For questions call (919) 684-5295, Option 1 and ask for the TEE Nurse.