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HOSPITAL
SERVICES
Medical
Procedures
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Transesophageal
Echocardiography (TEE)
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This test
allows your doctor to record images of your heart from
inserting a small flexible tube down your esophagus.
Images of your heart are obtained by using high
frequency soundwaves which bounce off the walls and
other structures of your heart and produce an image.
These images are evaluated for the presence of any heart
disease or blood flow disturbances that may be
present.
Preparation: Do not eat or drink anything 4-6 hours
before your exam. Please consult your physician
about taking your medications.
Please inform the cardiologist before the exam
if you have any problems with swallowing, hiatal
hernia or any allergies to medications.
Procedure: Your throat will numbed with an anesthetic.
You will be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
The cardiologist will insert a small tube into your
mouth and you will be asked to swallow to help
guide the tube down your esophagus. The physician
will take multiple images of your heart while the
staff monitors
your blood pressure, pulse and breathing. You
may feel the physician moving the tube however this
will not be painful or interfere with your
breathing. The procedure usually takes 20-45
minutes.
Afterward:
-Do not drive for 12 hours after any sedation
-Arrange for someone to drive you home.
-Do not drink or eat anything until your throat no
longer feels numb.
For
additional information, please see our
links page.
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