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Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Test Overview
An echocardiogram (echo or echocardiogram) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. The sound waves are sent through a device called a transducer and are reflected off the various structures of the heart. These echoes are converted into pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video monitor.
An echocardiogram generally is used to evaluate heart wall thickness and motion, as well as the structure and function of the heart valves. An echocardiogram can also be used to estimate the amount of blood pumped out of your left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction).
An echocardiogram can help identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart, areas of heart muscle that are not contracting normally, previous injury to the heart muscle caused by impaired blood flow, or evidence of heart failure, especially in people with chest pain or a possible heart attack. In addition, an echocardiogram can detect a blood clot in the heart, evaluate the heart valves for abnormalities, and identify pericardial effusion. A fetal echocardiogram can be used to detect congenital heart defects before birth.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). For TEE, the transducer is passed down the esophagus instead of being moved over the outside of the chest wall. TEE shows clearer pictures of your heart, because the transducer is located closer to the heart and because the lungs and bones of the chest wall do not interfere with the sound waves produced by the transducer. This test requires a sedative and an anesthetic applied to the throat to ease discomfort.
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