Is a TEE test painful?

Your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic, then a flexible tube about the size of your index finger is inserted into your mouth and down your esophagus. During the procedure, you may feel the probe moving, but it won’t be painful or interfere with your breathing.

What is a medical TE?

Transesophageal echocardiography: A diagnostic test, using a special probe placed within the esophagus, that employs ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures.

How long does a TEE procedure take?

How long does the test take? The test will take about 90 minutes. Afterwards, you may need more tests. Otherwise, your driver can take you home.

Are you awake during a TEE?

Once the test is ready to begin, you will be given a sedative to help you relax, and a numbing medication will be sprayed down your throat. This will make the passage of the transesophageal ultrasound probe more comfortable. You will be awake enough to swallow if necessary.

Does TEE require anesthesia?

In the non-invasive cardiac diagnostic settings worldwide, a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be performed with or without conscious sedation. According to the guidelines for performing a TEE, the procedure is well tolerated by an unsedated patient who is adequately given oral anaesthesia [1] .

Do you hold anticoagulation for TEE?

Current guidelines recommend that patients receive anticoagulants for 3-4 weeks before and 4 weeks after cardioversion. With the development of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the risk of thromboembolism and alternative anticoagulation strategies have been evaluated in patients with atrial fibrillation.

What are the risks of a transesophageal echocardiogram?

Possible risks of TEE include:

• Breathing problems.
• Heart rhythm problems.
• Bleeding.
• Injury to the teeth, mouth, throat or esophagus.

What anesthesia is used for a TEE?

Midazolam is often used for conscious sedation before transesophageal echo (TEE) studies.

What anesthesia is used for TEE?

Conscious sedation is an anesthesia technique frequently used to facilitate transesophageal echocardiography, but it is not really necessary for performing routine adult cases. Children and complicated circumstances generally do warrant sedation.

Can I drink water before a tee?

Instructions for drinking before your procedure Do not drink anything else. Do not drink anything starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. This includes water.

How do you perform a transesophageal echocardiogram?

This is called a transthoracic echocardiogram. A transesophageal echocardiogram is done by inserting a probe with a transducer down the esophagus. This provides a clearer image of the heart because the sound waves do not have to pass through skin, muscle, or bone tissue.

What happens if my echocardiogram is abnormal?

Symptoms include bulging neck veins, swelling in the arms, nausea, and fainting. Abnormal echocardiogram results help doctors determine if further testing is necessary or if you need to be placed on a treatment plan. When it comes to your heart, there is no room for taking risks.