Transoesophageal Echocardiography
(TEE or transoesophageal echrocardiography)
= Cardiac ultrasound of the heart with probe introduced through oesophagus.
Considered one of the less pleasant examinations in cardiology, because a tube of a small diameter has to be swallowed, after the examiner has placed it into the oesophagus -it allows to look at the heart “from the back“. One major advantage is the excellent quality of images which allow for reliable evaluation of e.g. blood clots or bacterial deposits on the cardiac valves (endocarditis). Certain types of heart defects are also clearly visible with TEE.
This is a pain-free examination which requires an empty stomach (min. 6 hours prior to examination); and that I inform you in writing following an extensive conversation and for which apply specific requirements (medication, laboratory values). During examination, an anaesthetic spray is applied to the throat to make it easier to swallow the probe –therefore you need to abstain from drinking and eating for at least 2 hours after examination.
No sleeping medication used. In specific cases and on patient’s express request this examination will be carried out using Midazolam (Dormicum) through intravenous access; however, this requires a subsequent short monitoring phase and a subsequent complete driving ban for the day.