Transesophageal Echo

Transesophageal Echocardiography is a test using ultrasound (high frequency sound waves) to create a moving picture of the beating heart. The test is performed using a flexible tube which is swallowed into the esophagus (the swallowing tube connecting the throat to the stomach) and the stomach.  This places the tube used to obtain the ultrasound images very near the heart, so a very detailed and accurate image can be obtained.  As with the transthoracic echo, Doppler analysis of the ultrasound signal is used to evaluate blood flow in the heart, arteries and veins.

The examination typically takes only ten to twenty minutes.  However, before the test is performed the patient receives numbing medicine (by spray and gargle) to the throat to prevent gagging, and relaxation with intravenous sedatives.  No dye or X-rays are used for this test.

A transesophageal echocardiogram may be performed for many reasons, including:

• Images obtained from the transthoracic echocardiogram are not adequate to accurately evaluate heart structures
• Evaluation of very small structures in the heart such as possible blood clots, tumors or small holes between heart chambers
• Before cardioversion, to make sure no blood clots are present
• To evaluate leaky or narrowed heart valves
• To examine the aorta (the main artery that takes blood from the heart to the body)
• To look for a cardiac cause of stroke or TIA
• To examine congenital disorders of the heart