PROCEDURES
TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM
A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of your heart so that your cardiologist can make a better decision regarding the treatment you require.
WHY DO I NEED IT?
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram done when your cardiologist needs more detail than a standard echocardiogram can give. A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) uses sound waves to produce images of the heart’s muscle and chambers, valves and outer lining as well as the blood vessels that connect to your heart.
These images provide your cardiologist with a more comprehensive view of the heart so that treatment can be planned better. This type of echocardiogram is often used when problems in your heart’s structure and function are suspected, to assess regurgitation, stenosis or blood clots, or if there is abnormal tissue around your heart valves that could indicate bacterial, viral or fungal infections or cancer.
HOW IS IT DONE?
During this procedure - which is done under conscious sedation to keep you comfortable and unaware – your throat is numbed with an anaesthetic. Dr van Rensburg will keep you as comfortable as possible during the test. Next, a tube with an ultrasound probe (similar to a gastroscopy where a camera is used to look at your stomach) is inserted into your oesophagus. The transducer at the tip of the probe then produces sound waves that bounce off your heart and are converted into pictures on a video screen. Because the oesophagus is so close to the upper chambers of the heart, very clear, detailed images of the heart structures and valves can be obtained when the transducer is inserted through the oesophagus.
WHAT ABOUT AFTERWARDS?
Since you were sedated, you will need to remain in hospital until the sedation wears off. You will then also need someone to drive you home after. You will have to be careful with what you eat or drink for the first couple of hours after your transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) as you will need to wait for the anaesthetic that numbed your throat to wear off. You may have a sore, hoarse throat after the procedure but this usually minor and should go away in a few days.