The Benefits and Process of Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Dr. Hatem Arı, Cardiologist

5-6 min read

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a state-of-the-art diagnostic procedure that provides exceptionally detailed images of the heart. This advanced technique is especially useful for patients who require precise heart imaging, making it a cornerstone in cardiovascular diagnostics.

What is Transesophageal Echocardiography?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an advanced form of echocardiography where an ultrasound probe is inserted into the esophagus to capture high-resolution images of the heart. The esophagus, located directly behind the heart, provides a closer and clearer view than traditional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), which uses an external probe placed on the chest.

Why is TEE Important?

TEE is crucial for several reasons:

1. Superior Imaging Quality: By positioning the ultrasound probe in the esophagus, TEE bypasses obstacles like the ribs and lungs, offering clearer and more detailed images.
2. Accurate Diagnoses: The enhanced imaging capabilities of TEE enable doctors to diagnose complex cardiac conditions more accurately.
3. Critical for Specific Conditions: TEE is particularly useful for evaluating heart valve diseases, detecting blood clots, and assessing other intricate cardiac structures.

How is TEE Performed?

Understanding the TEE procedure can help alleviate any apprehensions patients might have:

1. Preparation: Patients are usually instructed to fast for several hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach. This helps minimize the risk of complications.
2. Sedation: A mild sedative is administered to help the patient relax. This ensures comfort throughout the procedure.
3. Numbing the Throat: A local anesthetic is sprayed in the throat to numb the area, making the insertion of the probe more comfortable.
4. Insertion and Imaging: The doctor gently inserts the ultrasound probe through the mouth and into the esophagus. The probe then captures detailed images of the heart, which are displayed on a monitor.
5. Duration: The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. After the images are obtained, the probe is carefully removed.

Applications of TEE

TEE is a versatile diagnostic tool with several key applications:

• Valve Assessment: It is particularly effective for evaluating the function and structure of heart valves.
• Detection of Clots: TEE can identify blood clots in the heart, which are critical to detect in conditions like atrial fibrillation.
• Intraoperative Monitoring: Surgeons often use TEE during cardiac surgery to guide their procedures and immediately assess the effectiveness of surgical interventions.
• Congenital Heart Disease: TEE is invaluable in diagnosing and managing congenital heart defects, providing detailed images that guide treatment plans.

Common Heart Conditions Diagnosed with TEE Imaging

TEE is instrumental in diagnosing several heart conditions, including:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): TEE helps detect blood clots in the atria, which are crucial to identify in patients with AFib to prevent stroke.
• Infective Endocarditis: TEE provides detailed images of the heart valves, helping to identify infections and vegetations.
• Valvular Heart Disease: Conditions such as mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, and regurgitation are better assessed with TEE.
• Congenital Heart Defects: TEE is particularly useful in identifying and evaluating structural heart defects present from birth.
• Aortic Dissection: TEE helps in diagnosing and assessing the severity of aortic dissection, a serious condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears.

Benefits of TEE

Patients can expect several benefits from undergoing TEE:

• Accurate Diagnoses: The high-quality images from TEE lead to more accurate diagnoses and better-informed treatment decisions.
• Minimally Invasive: TEE is less invasive compared to other diagnostic methods like cardiac catheterization.
• Quick Recovery: Since it is minimally invasive, patients usually recover quickly and can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

What to Expect After TEE

After the TEE procedure, patients are monitored until the sedative wears off. It is advisable to avoid eating or drinking for a short period until the throat numbness subsides. Patients might experience a mild sore throat, which typically resolves within a day.

Conclusion

Transesophageal echocardiography is a powerful diagnostic tool that offers unparalleled views of the heart, aiding in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Its ability to provide detailed images makes it an essential procedure for evaluating complex cardiac conditions.

However, not all healthcare institutions have the necessary equipment or skilled professionals to perform TEE. Our contracted institutions are equipped with the latest TEE technology and staffed with highly trained cardiologists, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. If you are recommended for TEE evaluation in non-emergency situations, our experienced doctors are ready to perform this procedure with expert care.