Transesophageal Echocardiogram is an outpatient procedure done in the hospital. You will be given special instructions ahead of time about eating, drinking and any medications you may be taking.
A special spray will be used to make your throat numb. Small patches (EKG electrodes) will be placed on your chest so that an EKG monitor can be used during the test. Medicine to help you relax will be given through an intravenous (IV) needle in your hand or arm. Then the doctor will guide a thin, flexible tube through your mouth and down into the food tube (esophagus). A special probe (transducer) on the end of the tube will collect data to create images of your heart in action.
When enough pictures have been made the probe and tube will be removed. A short period of recovery will follow until you no longer feel sleepy. Your doctor will evaluate the test findings and discuss them with you either at this time or during a later appointment.
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