Esophageal Echocardiography

Introduction
Esophageal echocardiography (TEE = transesophageal echocardiogram) is an examination method in which an endoscope (a thin flexible rubber tube) is used to make accurate images of the heart ventricles and heart valves from the esophagus and the stomach. 

The esophageal echocardiogram is made by sending and receiving sound waves through an echo microphone (transducer) attached in the endoscope.
The examination is conducted by a cardiologist and a laboratory technician. The examination is not painful, but can be experienced as stressful. 

Preparation
You must have an empty stomach at least four hours before the examination. This means that you cannot eat or drink anything four hours prior to the examination.
If the examination takes place in the morning, it is best not to eat to drink anything from midnight the night before. You can, however, take any regular medication with some water.  

Where is the examination conducted?
The examination is conducted at the Cardiology outpatients’ clinic on the 1st floor, in the cardiac function department. Because of our logistics planning, please report to the desk of the Cardiology outpatients’ clinic 10 minutes before your appointment.

If you are allergic to certain medicines or if you have difficulty swallowing, please inform us of this prior to the examination.

The examination
Please undress the upper part of your body in the changing room. Any teeth prostheses will have to be removed.
During the examination you will lie on an examination couch. The laboratory technician will place three electrodes on the skin of the chest to register the cardiac rhythm. The throat will be anaesthetized locally with a spray. The anesthesia tastes like bananas. This pharyngeal anesthesia ensures that introducing the endoscope is not painful. 

You will lie on your left side. A bite block will be placed in your mouth that you may only bite. As you are lying down, the endoscope is introduced through the bite block in your mouth into your throat. You airways will remain open and you can breathe gently though your nose. By swallowing, the endoscope will glide into your esophagus and the echo images can be made. Sometimes the cardiologist has to guide the endoscope with his fingers to introduce it.
The echo images are stored in the computer and processed later. The examination will take some 30 minutes. 

After the examination
Because your throat has been anesthetized, there is a risk of choking after the examination. Therefore, you can only start drinking one hour after the examination, after you have had a trial sip of water.

Complications
Complications are very rare. However, should you experience serious stomachaches or fever after the examination, please contact your general practitioner or the Emergency Room of our hospital immediately, telephone number 070 - 312 41 45.

The results
The cardiologist will discuss the results with you at your next appointment. Therefore, always check if you have a follow-up appointment for the results of the examination.

If you have any questions after reading this brochure, please do not hesitate to contact the Cardiology outpatients’ clinic, cardiac function department, telephone number 070 - 312 43 64.

Edition: January 2010/206