TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a test that produces pictures of your heart. TEE uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make detailed pictures of your heart and the arteries that lead to and from it. A TEE is a diagnostic exam. This means that it’s done to help your healthcare provider find a diagnosis (the cause of your illness) and decide on the best treatment plan.
Why TEE test is performed? The test is used to:
1. Check how well your heart’s valves and chambers are working 2. Look for problems, such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses, and congenital heart disease 3. See how well your heart valves are working after surgery 4. Check for abnormalities in the top left chamber of your heart (left atrium)
What is the procedure of this transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)? When it’s time for your procedure, you’ll go into the procedure room and be helped onto an exam table. You’ll be asked to remove your dentures or false