Transesophageal Echocardiography

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - The procedure is performed in a room large enough to hold an EKG machine, an echo machine, a table or bed, and a blood pressure monitor. The equipment used includes an EKG machine, an echo machine, skin electrodes, and lead wires that attach to the skin electrodes. A blood pressure cuff attached to an electronic monitoring machine is used. You will lie on a table or bed on your left side with your head slightly elevated for the entire procedure. You may receive oxygen through nasal tubes. Emergency equipment will be in the room in case of emergency.
  
  
• Anesthesia - Anesthetic, or numbing, spray is applied to the back of the throat before the TEE probe is passed down the throat. Sedative medication is given in the IV to help you relax during the procedure.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  • The technician will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up. Your privacy will be maintained by drapes across your chest and by limiting access into the procedure area.
    
    
  • EKG electrodes will be attached to your chest. The lead wires will be attached to the skin electrodes.
    
    
  • You will lie on a table or bed, positioned on your left side. A pillow or wedge may be placed behind your back for support.
    
    
  • An IV line will be started in your hand or arm. If indicated, IV antibiotics will be given prior to the procedure.
    
    
  • Sedation is given through the IV line.
    
    
  • Numbing spray is applied to the back of the throat.
    
    
  • If indicated, oxygen will be administered through nasal tubes.
    
    
  • A probe will be placed on the tip of a finger or your ear lobe to monitor the oxygen levels in your blood during the procedure.
    
    
  • A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm so that your blood pressure can be monitored during the procedures.
    
    
  • The TEE probe is passed through your mouth and down your throat. You may be asked to swallow to help pass the probe.
    
    
  • Once the probe is in the right place, the images are obtained.
    
    
  • After the necessary images are obtained, the probe will be removed from your throat.
    
    
  • You will be moved to a recovery area, where nurses will monitor your heart rate, EKG, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
    
    
  • When your gag reflex has returned, your vital signs are stable, and you are more alert, the EKG electrodes, the oxygen probe, and the IV will be removed. You may dress.
    
    
  • When the procedure is completed, you may leave unless instructed otherwise by your physician. Someone will need to drive you home.
    
    
• Procedure time - The test usually takes about an hour. However, unexpected factors may cause delay in starting your procedure or in completing the procedure. Some of these factors might include unexpected delays in procedures prior to yours, difficulty in obtaining an adequate scan due to patient movement, or other factors.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - After the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area, where your EKG, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be monitored. This recovery will last one to two hours or longer, depending on how long it takes for you to be able to swallow and be alert enough to leave. Because of the use of sedation, you will need to have someone drive you home.
  
  
• Length of stay - After recovery from the procedure, you will be allowed to leave, unless your physician determines that your condition requires further observation or hospital admission.
  
  
• Recuperation time - You may feel weak, tired, or groggy for the remainder of the day of the procedure. You should feel normal by the day after the procedure. Your throat will probably be sore for a few days following the procedure due to having the TEE probe passed down your throat.
  
  
• Outcome - Depending on the results of the TEE, you may be scheduled for further diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
  

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