What does TEE mean in UNCLASSIFIED

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an ultrasound test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the heart. It can provide detailed information about the structure and function of your heart, including the valves and chambers. During a TEE, the ultrasound probe is placed in the esophagus so that it is near your heart. This allows for a clear view of certain parts of your heart that may be obstructed when viewed from outside the body.

A TEE can provide more detailed information about your heart than other imaging techniques such as an echocardiogram or CT scan. It can help diagnose congenital heart defects, identify blockages in blood vessels, detect any abnormalities in the size or structure of your heart, and check how well medications are working against various conditions such as valve disease or atrial fibrillation.

Yes, it is very safe. The procedure has low risks associated with it, and there are usually no long-term side effects. The only possible short-term side effects include nausea and gagging due to having an ultrasound probe placed in your throat.

Before you have the procedure, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table while medicating cream is applied to your chest area. An ultrasound probe will then be inserted into your esophagus through your mouth or nose depending on which method was chosen for you by your doctor. You may feel some pressure or discomfort during this process, but it should not be painful or unbearable.. While the probe is being inserted, you will need to stay still and breathe slowly to avoid coughing or gagging. Once in place, images of your heart will be taken which can take up to 30 minutes depending on what type of TEE you are receiving. Afterwards, the probe may be removed immediately or left in place until after you have received contrast dye injection if one was ordered by your doctor as part of the procedure.

Generally speaking most healthy adults do not typically require regular screening with a TEE unless recommended by their doctor due to specific factors such as age, risk factors for heart disease or prior history completing other forms of cardiac testing like an echocardiogram.

No, getting a TEE should not hurt since only mild pressure may be felt during insertion of the ultrasound probe. There may also be some mild soreness after the procedure but that usually goes away soon after.

Although rare complications can occur from having a TEE they are generally minor and short term in nature such as nausea and vomiting due to discomfort from insertion of the ultrasound probe into throat along with any potential issues related to swallowing contrast dye if used during procedure.

Most people experience minimal downtime following their transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs). In most cases patients can eat normally afterwards unless otherwise instructed by their physician due to factors related swelling in throat area or use of contrast dye.