Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a very important technique in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
This is a special technique that is performed with a probe that is shaped like a thin tube that is easily inserted through the throat and into the esophagus.
The proximity of the esophagus to the heart and great vessels makes the view obtained of the heart excellent and additional, more accurate information can be obtained than with conventional echocardiography.
At Hospital La Luz we comply with the highest quality and safety standards linked to the procedure. In our laboratory we have the collaboration of the Intensive Care Medicine Service and we have a vital signs monitor, automatic blood pressure meter, complete advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment and highly qualified personnel.
To carry out the study, it is necessary to take a series of precautions that aim to provide maximum safety and greater comfort during the test.
- We will explain in detail what the test entails and the reason why it has been requested. Before starting or during the prior consultation with your Cardiologist, you must sign the informed consent.
- We previously study your medical history to find out if there is any absolute or relative contraindication for performing the test: diseases of the esophagus, drug allergies or history of gastrointestinal bleeding (problems swallowing, previous surgeries, liver diseases, coagulation problems, etc.) .
- It is important that you fast for 6 hours before the procedure (you can take your usual medication with a little water 3 hours before the test).
- Artificial dentures must be removed.
- A nurse will channel a peripheral venous line to administer the medication necessary for sedation.
- The type of sedation used is called conscious sedation in which we use low doses of short-term sedatives.
- We also administer a local anesthetic into the throat, similar to that used by dentists, to minimize the discomfort of passing the probe down the throat.
- You must be accompanied, especially because after the sedation used, you will not be able to carry out activities that require a high degree of concentration (driving, for example) for at least 24 hours.
- Once the procedure is finished, you will remain monitored; once it is verified that you have completely woken up and are feeling well, you will be able to leave.
- It is advisable to go at least three hours without eating or drinking after the procedure, due to the application of local anesthesia in the throat, and 24 hours without driving or doing activities that require concentration or endanger your safety if due to sedation.
In summary, transesophageal echocardiography is a widely used test in the study of heart diseases, safe, painless and with very low complication rates when performed by expert personnel and with appropriate quality and safety measures.
By Dr. María del Mar Pérez Gil
Head of the Non-Invasive Cardiology Unit of the UICAR