Are you awake during a TEE?

Posted on by Emilia Duggan

Are you awake during a TEE?

Once the test is ready to begin, you will be given a sedative to help you relax, and a numbing medication will be sprayed down your throat. This will make the passage of the transesophageal ultrasound probe more comfortable. You will be awake enough to swallow if necessary.

Why would a patient need a TEE?

A TEE is done when your doctor needs a closer look at your heart or does not get the information needed from a regular echo. You may need a combination of a TEE, Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to get information about how blood flows across your heart’s valves.

How long does a TEE procedure last?

The doctor can move the tube up, down and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles. The test usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes.

What are the risks of TEE?

Possible risks of TEE include:

  • Breathing problems.
  • Heart rhythm problems.
  • Bleeding.
  • Injury to the teeth, mouth, throat or esophagus.

How uncomfortable is a TEE?

Many people find TEE to be uncomfortable, but not actually painful. The staff at the echocardiography lab will take several steps to make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gel,or gargling solution.

What are the side effects of a TEE?

Risks of Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) Possible risks of a TEE include: Damage to the esophagus, including bleeding or a tear (very rare) Reaction to the medication used to relax patients during the procedure, including nausea and difficulty breathing. Sore throat after the procedure.

Is a TEE an invasive procedure?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce detailed images of your heart and arteries. Your doctor may order this test to determine: If there is any evidence of blood clots.

Which is more invasive TTE or TEE?

Transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) are by far the more common of the two. This type of echocardiogram is noninvasive. Here’s how it works: A sonographer performs the test, and your cardiologist at Phoenix Heart Center interprets the results.

Can a TEE Show blocked arteries?

Transesophageal echocardiography may be done to evaluate signs and symptoms that may suggest: Atherosclerosis. This is a gradual clogging of the arteries by fatty materials and other substances in the blood.

How much does a TEE test cost?

On MDsave, the cost of a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) ranges from $802 to $1,409. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

What can a TEE diagnose?

Doctors may use TEE to help diagnose:

  • Coronary heart disease.
  • Congenital (kon-JEN-ih-tal) heart disease.
  • Heart attack.
  • Aortic aneurysm (AN-u-rism)
  • Endocarditis (EN-do-kar-DI-tis)
  • Cardiomyopathy (KAR-de-o-mi-OP-ah-thee)
  • Heart valve disease.