First Visit > TEE - Transesophageal Echocardiogram

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that allows your doctor to record images of your heart from inside your esophagus, or food pipe. Since the esophagus lies just behind your heart, TEE may produce clearer pictures of the heart's movement than would standard echocardiography taken from outside the chest. During TEE, harmless sound waves bounce (echo) off your heart. These sound waves create images of your heart as it pumps blood through the valves and chambers. These images help your doctor identify and treat problems such as infection, disease, or defects in your heart's walls or valves.

How TEE Works


A flexible tube about the size of your index finger is inserted into your mouth and down your esophagus. At the tip of the tube is a small probe that produces sound waves. The sound waves bounce off your heart and are changed into pictures on a video screen. The doctor can move the probe up, down, and sideways to look at different parts of your heart from different angles. Your throat is numbed, so you should feel little or no discomfort during the procedure.

Before Your TEE

  • Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. Take prescribed medications with a sip of water only.
  • Arrange to have someone pick you up after the exam. Don't plan to drive yourself home, as you may be drowsy. If you have sedation, you should not drive for 12 hours.
  • You should arrive for your procedure at least 30 minutes before the actual test time. Please also remember to call and pre-register.
  • Tell your doctor if: 1) You take any medications, have ulcers, a hiatal hernia, or problems swallowing; or 2) You have allergies to any medications or sedatives.
During Your TEE
  • When you arrive for your TEE, you will change into a hospital gown, and then be taken to the testing room.
  • Your throat is sprayed with an anesthetic to numb it. You may be given a mild sedative through an IV (intravenous) line in your arm to help you relax. You may also be given oxygen. If you wear dentures, you will need to remove them. Then you'll be asked to lie on your left side.
  • The doctor gently inserts the probe into your mouth. As you swallow, the tube is slowly guided into your esophagus. The tube is lubricated to make it slide easily.
  • You may feel the doctor moving the probe, but it shouldn't be painful or interfere with your breathing. A nurse monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the test, which usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
After Your TEE
  • If you have sedation, you should not drive for 12 hours.
  • Don't eat or drink until your throat is no longer numb.
  • If your throat is sore, soothe it with cold drinks and lozenges.
  • Report unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, internal pain, or a stiff neck, to your doctor immediately.
  • Follow any instructions your doctor gives you.

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