Echocardiogram and Transesophageal Echocardiogram

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES

Echocardiogram & Transesophageal is a test procedure that takes heart pictures, which is known as TEE. TEE creates detailed images of the heart and the arteries that lead to and from it using high-frequency sound waves that as ultrasound.

The echo transducer, which produces the sound waves for a TEE, is linked to a narrow tube that passes into your mouth, throat, and esophagus, unlike a conventional echocardiogram. The esophagus is so close to the upper chambers of the heart that it is able to get very clear images of those heart structures and valves.

Transesophageal echocardiography reveals what?

First of all, talk to the doctor about how you should be prepared. If you have any medical history, share it with the doctor if any precautions should be taken.

On the day of your procedure, you might need to refrain from eating or drinking anything before midnight. You may also need to take some medicines before the process starts. Some blood tests will be performed as well to find if the cardioversion is safe for you.

Your healthcare professional can recommend that you use the anti-clotting medication if you have a higher risk of blood clots. Prior to and following the treatment, these are frequently taken for many weeks. Although not everyone requires this medication, some do. If your irregular rhythm has persisted for more than 48 hours or if you’ve already experienced a blood clot, you probably require anti-clotting medication.

What is the purpose of a transesophageal echocardiogram?

A transesophageal echocardiogram is executed on a person for several causes. The reasons include:

  • If a better and more specific image of the heart is required, a TTE is performed. To manage or diagnose a heart issue, a transesophageal echocardiogram is needed:
  • Before having a medical course of action, blood clots need to be checked. In this case, TEE is performed.
  • In critical and emergency situations, if the heart needs to be checked in detail, TEE can come useful.
  • While having surgery, t check if the surgery has been successful, TEE is performed. If the patient has catheter-based procedures, TEE processes real-time imaging.

How do I prepare for a transesophageal echocardiogram?

Your doctor should know about your medical history. There are some cases where TEE can not be performed as it is too risky for those cases. So talk briefly with your provider about your clinical history.

You should not have alcoholic drinks for some days prior to the TEE test. You will be asked to not take any drink or food for 4 to 6 hours prior to the test being performed. The provider will also give you a sedative to keep you calm.

How does TEE or transesophageal echocardiogram work?

To help you settle, you might be given a moderate sedative. You may also require oxygen while the test is performed on you. Generally, the test process lasts about 20 to 40 minutes.

Starting the process, A flexible tube the size of an index finger is placed into the mouth and down the esophagus after an anesthetic has been used to numb the throat. The tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach is called the esophagus. You feel strongly about it. As blood rushes in and out, it’s a good location to capture accurate photos of its chambers and valves. You probably feel the probe moving while it’s being deployed, but it won’t hurt or obstruct your breathing. The transducer at the tube’s tip emits sound waves, which your heart reflects and transforms into images that are displayed on a television screen. The physician can move the tube up, down, and sideways to examine various areas of your heart from various perspectives.