By: Abdi Waluyo Hospital

Overview

What is Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)?

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a specialized ultrasound examination that produces highly detailed images of the heart and its surrounding structures. Unlike a standard transthoracic echocardiogram, where the ultrasound probe is placed on the chest, TEE uses a thin, flexible probe that is gently passed through the mouth into the esophagus (food pipe). Because the esophagus lies directly behind the heart, TEE provides exceptionally clear images without interference from the ribs, lungs, or chest wall.

At RS Abdi Waluyo, TEE is performed by experienced cardiologists using advanced imaging technology. The examination provides detailed visualization of the heart chambers, heart valves, blood vessels, and other cardiac structures, helping physicians diagnose complex heart conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Why is Transesophageal Echocardiography Performed?

Your doctor may recommend a TEE to:

Evaluate heart valve diseases, such as valve narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation).
Detect blood clots within the heart, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Diagnose infections involving the heart valves (infective endocarditis).
Assess congenital heart defects.
Evaluate abnormalities of the aorta and other major blood vessels.
Identify the cause of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Assess heart function when standard echocardiography does not provide sufficient detail.
Guide catheter-based procedures, structural heart interventions, or cardiac surgery.

TEE provides highly detailed images that are often essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Details of the Test

TEE is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a monitored clinical setting.

Before the examination:

You will be asked not to eat or drink for approximately 6 hours before the procedure.
Inform your doctor about any allergies, medications, bleeding disorders, or swallowing problems.
Dentures, removable dental appliances, and oral prostheses should be removed before the examination.
An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted to administer sedative medication if needed.
Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort during probe insertion.

Your healthcare team will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and ask you to sign a consent form before the examination.

What Happens During the Test?

During the procedure:

You will lie comfortably on your left side.
Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be continuously monitored.
A local anesthetic spray will numb your throat, and a mild sedative may be administered to help you relax.
A bite guard will be placed to protect your teeth and the ultrasound probe.
The cardiologist will gently guide the flexible ultrasound probe through your mouth into your esophagus.
Detailed images of your heart will be obtained from multiple angles.
Once the examination is complete, the probe will be carefully removed.

The procedure usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, although your total visit may be longer to allow for preparation and recovery.

What Should I Expect After the Test?

Following the examination:

You will remain under observation until the effects of the sedative have worn off.
Your throat may feel mildly sore or numb for a few hours.
You should not eat or drink until your swallowing reflex has fully returned, as instructed by your healthcare team.
Because sedatives may affect your alertness, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
Most patients can resume their normal activities the following day, unless advised otherwise by their doctor.

What Are the Risks?

TEE is considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced healthcare professionals. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks.

These may include:

Temporary sore throat or hoarseness.
Mild discomfort during swallowing.
Reaction to sedative medication.
Minor bleeding from the mouth or throat.
Rare injury to the mouth, teeth, throat, esophagus, or stomach.
Very rare complications such as aspiration or abnormal heart rhythm.

Your healthcare team will carefully monitor you throughout the procedure to minimize these risks.

Results and Follow-Up

The images obtained during TEE are carefully reviewed by your cardiologist to evaluate:

Heart chamber size and function.
Heart valve structure and function.
Blood clots inside the heart.
Congenital heart abnormalities.
Infection of the heart valves.
Abnormalities of the aorta and surrounding blood vessels.
Other structural heart conditions.

The findings help your doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan and whether additional testing or intervention is necessary.

When Will I Receive My Results?

Your cardiologist may discuss the preliminary findings immediately after the examination.

A comprehensive report is generally available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the study.

Your doctor will explain the results and discuss any recommended treatment or follow-up care.

If the Results Are Abnormal, What Are the Next Steps?

If TEE identifies a heart abnormality, your doctor may recommend:

Additional cardiac imaging, such as Cardiac CT or Cardiac MRI.
Cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography.
Medication to manage heart disease or prevent complications.
Structural heart intervention, such as valve repair or closure of congenital defects.
Heart valve surgery or other cardiac surgery when indicated.
Ongoing follow-up with a cardiologist.

Your treatment plan will be personalized based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Contact your doctor promptly if you experience any of the following after returning home:

Persistent or worsening sore throat lasting more than 48 hours.
Difficulty swallowing or severe pain when swallowing.
Fever or chills.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.
Vomiting blood or coughing up blood.
Persistent bleeding from the mouth.
Severe abdominal pain.
Any new or worsening symptoms that concern you.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms suggestive of a heart attack or stroke.

Why Choose RS Abdi Waluyo for Transesophageal Echocardiography?

At RS Abdi Waluyo, our cardiac imaging services combine advanced technology with the expertise of experienced cardiologists to deliver accurate diagnosis and comprehensive cardiovascular care.

Our TEE service offers:

High-resolution cardiac imaging for detailed evaluation of heart structures.
Experienced cardiologists skilled in advanced echocardiographic techniques.
Comprehensive assessment of heart valves, chambers, blood flow, and structural abnormalities.
State-of-the-art imaging technology to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Integrated heart care, from diagnostic evaluation to advanced cardiac interventions.
A patient-centered approach focused on safety, comfort, and clinical excellence.

With Transesophageal Echocardiography, RS Abdi Waluyo provides detailed cardiac imaging that helps diagnose complex heart conditions, guide treatment decisions, and improve patient outcomes.