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Transesophageal Echocardiography by Diana Kohnle

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

Echocardiography uses sound waves (ultrasound) to make images of the heart. In transesophageal echocardiography, the ultrasound probe is passed down the throat in the esophagus, or food pipe. The esophagus sits very close to the heart. This method allows for clearer images of the heart than other methods.

Reasons for Procedure

This test is done to look for problems of the heart, including:

Enlarged heart
Thickening of the heart walls
Heart valve malfunction
Infection
Blood clots
Other conditions

Abnormal Heart Walls

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. You will be given light sedation for the procedure. Your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Difficulty breathing
Abnormal heart rhythms
Bleeding or damage to the throat or esophagus

You may be at higher risk for complications if you:

Have throat problems
Had radiation therapy to the throat
Have a history of stomach ulcers or esophageal varices
Have strictures or narrowing of the esophagus
Have sleep apnea or severe respiratory disorders (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease )

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Avoid alcohol for several days before the procedure. Alcohol may interfere with the type of sedative used.
Do not eat or drink for 4-8 hours before the procedure.

Anesthesia

You will be given a mild sedative through an IV. You will be sleepy throughout the procedure. A topical anesthetic may also be applied to the back of the throat. This will numb the throat.

Description of the Procedure

You will be asked to lie on your side in a hospital gown. The ultrasound probe will be slid down your throat and into the esophagus until it is near the heart. The device will create active images of the heart. When the imaging is done, the probe will be taken out.

How Long Will It Take?

15-30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

There may be some mild discomfort during the procedure. Most patients sleep through the procedure and remember very little of it. Your throat may be sore for a few days.

Post-procedure Care

You will need a ride home from the procedure. Do not eat or drink until the numbness in your throat wears off. This will keep you from inhaling food or drink into the lungs. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Talk to your doctor about the results of the test.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Sore throat does not subside or worsens
Pain in the throat or chest develops
Difficulty breathing

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org/
Heart Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

References:

Griffin BP, Topol EJ. Manual of Cardiovascular Medicine . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Willkins; 2004.
Niedermeyer J, Daniel WG. Value of transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of diseases of native heart valves. Herz . 1993;18(6):329-340.
Pascoe RD, Oh JK, Warnes CA, Danielson GK, Tajik AJ, Seward JB. Diagnosis of sinus venosus atrial septal defect With transesophageal echocardiography. Circulation . 1996;94:1049-1055.

Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael J. Fucci, DO

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