What is the TEE Test?
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a test that produces pictures of your heart. TEE uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make detailed pictures of your heart and the arteries that lead to and from it. TEE is a diagnostic exam. This means that it’s done to help your healthcare provider find a diagnosis (the cause of your illness) and decide on the best treatment plan.
Why TEE test is performed?
The test is used to:
- Check how well your heart’s valves and chambers are working
- Look for problems, such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses, and congenital heart disease
- See how well your heart valves are working after surgery
- Check for abnormalities in the top left chamber of your heart (left atrium)
What does a transesophageal echocardiogram show?
Your provider may give you an ECG test because you have:
- Heart Valve Health: A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) plays a crucial role in assessing the condition of your heart valves. It examines the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves to identify issues like narrowing or leakage.
- Understanding Heart Chamber Function: TEE offers valuable insights into the size and performance of your heart’s chambers, such as the left atrium and ventricle. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions like cardiomyopathy.
- Spotting Blood Clots: TEE excels at detecting blood clots within the heart, especially in the left atrial appendage. These clots can potentially lead to strokes, making early detection crucial.
- Identifying Structural Abnormalities: TEE can reveal any structural irregularities in your heart, including congenital heart defects or even tumors.
- Investigating Clot Sources: It is instrumental in investigating the sources of clots, known as emboli, which could have triggered strokes or other vascular issues.
- Guiding Cardiac Surgeries: Surgeons rely on TEE during cardiac surgeries to continuously monitor your heart’s function in real-time. This real-time data helps them make precise decisions during procedures such as valve repair or replacement.