Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
What is a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
A TEE is a very effective diagnostic ultrasound test that allows a physician to look at the heart from a tube that is passed into the esophagus. Since a traditional echocardiogram that views the heart through the chest wall has some limiting factors, this test allows very clear images of many parts of the heart structures and blood flow. Sometimes, this procedure is performed concurrently with a surgical procedure.
As with any type of ultrasound test, sound waves are directed to the heart via a transducer, and the heart deflects the sound waves.
In this case, the transducer is on a tube that will be guided into the child's esophagus (the tube that leads to the stomach) in a place near the heart.
Associated computerized equipment records and analyzes the sound waves to:
- Confirm proper structure and function of the heart after corrective congenital heart surgery repair.
- Assess the presence of valve disease due to inability of valves to open or close completely, leakage through a valve when it is closed, and other structural abnormalities.
- Assess the presence of congenital heart disease.
Preparing for the procedure
The child should not have anything to eat for a prescribed number of hours prior to the exam. He/she will be placed under a light anesthesia to be asleep during the procedure.
During the procedure
The echocardiogram probe is placed in the mouth and gently passed into the esophagus. Pictures are obtained, then the probe is gently removed.
