Transesophageal Echocardiogram
Amelia Heart & Vascular Center is a respected leader in vascular medicine serving the Northern Virginia area.
Our providers at Amelia Heart perform transesophageal echocardiograms at affiliated hospitals, including INOVA Fairfax and Virginia Hospital Center. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram performed to diagnose certain heart conditions and to rule out blood clots in the heart prior to procedures. The TEE provides a very clear and detailed imaging of the heart structure and function and is more detailed than 2-D echocardiograms.
What happens during a TEE?
During a TEE, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax and your throat will numbed with a gel or spray. The physician will then place a flexible tube into your mouth. They will then move the probe down your throat and into your esophagus. This allows very clear images because the heart sits right in front of your esophagus. The tip of the probe will produce sound waves to create clear images of your heart. The physician can move the probe around to capture different angles of your heart. You may feel the probe but it will not be painful. The procedure takes no longer than one hour.
Top Doctors Awards
