Transesophageal Echocardiography
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is an
echocardiographic examination through the esophagus instead of the chest wall.
The esophagus is very close to the base (back) of the heart. The wall thickness
of the esophagus is also much less than that of the chest wall. For these
reasons, better quality images are obtained during TTE and more posterior
formations can be examined. TTE should be performed especially in the following
patients: 1. Patients with a thick chest wall but in whom echocardiography is
absolutely necessary 2. Patients in whom a defect at the base of the heart is
suspected 3. Patients who have undergone prosthetic valve replacement 4.
Patients in whom infective endocarditis is suspected
1.METHOD OF APPLICATION:
TOE is very similar to endoscopy. The patient is asked to swallow a tube
about 30-50 cm long. This seemingly unpleasant procedure is made easier for the
patient by the prior administration of a sedative and numbing of the patient's
throat. Initially, the patient may feel nausea and retching, but after a while
these symptoms disappear. If the patient helps the doctor to perform the
examination, the procedure is both shorter and of better quality. This
procedure, which is performed through the esophagus, takes about 5 minutes. The
images obtained are recorded on videotape using a video recorder. The report is
then prepared by watching these tapes again and making various measurements if
necessary. Remember that, however unpleasant it may be, your doctor would not
have asked you to undergo this procedure if it was not necessary.
2.RISKS:
TTE is a very low-risk test. Before the procedure, your doctor will ask you
if you have any abnormalities in your throat. If you have a sore throat, if you
have difficulty swallowing, if you are often bothered by your tonsils, be sure
to mention it. Apart from this, do not hesitate to mention any other complaints
that you feel may be important. It is also very important for your doctor if
you are allergic to anesthetics. If you have such a condition, be sure to
report it. After asking these questions, your doctor will perform a brief mouth
and throat examination. If there is even the slightest suspicion, the procedure
will be postponed. Therefore, if you have decided to have the procedure,
remember that you are safe from the risks.
In spite of all this, the following risks are present, albeit very small:
Nausea, retching;
Transient difficulty in swallowing;
Esophageal injury (TTE has been performed in our clinic for 10 years and there
has never been any esophageal injury);
Various rhythm disturbances (Since both echocardiographic and
electrocardiographic monitoring is performed during the procedure, the
likelihood of this risk occurring, and if it does occur, it is very unlikely to
lead to a bad outcome. No serious arrhythmia has occurred in our clinic so
far);
Transmission of infectious agents into the bloodstream (This potential risk is
no greater than that of tooth brushing. In addition, the procedure is performed
with sterile equipment).
3.AFTER THE PROCEDURE:
Since your throat is numbed during the procedure, there may be a temporary
loss of your swallowing reflex. This loss lasts for about 2 hours. Therefore,
do not eat or drink for 2 hours after the procedure.
Your report will be given to you shortly, but in very complex cases it may be
necessary to watch the tape again and again. In such cases, you will be
informed of the date and time you will receive your report. Otherwise your
report will be delivered to you within 30 minutes. Do not forget to show your
report to the doctor who ordered the test or who is monitoring you.
