Echocardiography
An echocardiogram, or cardiac ultrasound, is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the heart’s structure and function. There is no radiation involved. This examination allows your healthcare provider to evaluate the heart’s chambers, valves, muscle, and blood flow in real time. An echocardiogram can help diagnose a wide range of heart conditions, including valve disease, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and abnormalities in heart function. Depending on your symptoms and clinical needs, different types of echocardiograms may be recommended to provide the most comprehensive evaluation.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
A transthoracic echocardiogram is the most common type of echocardiogram. During the exam, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on the chest to capture ultrasound images of the heart. This is a painless, noninvasive test that takes 30-45 minutes to perform, and does not require any preparation from the patient. At Affinity Heart Care, we perform the TTE in our office.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A transesophageal echocardiogram provides highly detailed images of the heart by placing a specialized ultrasound probe into the esophagus, which lies directly behind the heart. Because the probe is closer to the heart than the chest wall, this test offers clearer visualization of heart valves, chambers, and surrounding structures. TEE is often recommended when additional detail is needed or when standard echocardiogram images are limited. TEE requires anesthesia similar to when going for an endoscopy and is performed in a hospital based setting as an outpatient procedure. Depending on which hospital you are scheduled to have your procedure, you will receive different arrival information. Expect to spend 2-4 hours at the hospital. The procedure can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes.
To ensure your procedure is performed safely and successfully, please follow these instructions:
- Do not eat or drink (NPO) after midnight the night before your procedure unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions. This includes food, water, gum, candy, and mints.
- Take your medications only as directed by your healthcare provider. If have diabetes medications, you may receive specific instructions to hold them before your appointment.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. You will receive anesthesia and be asleep during the procedure, and you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day.
- You may be asked to remove dentures or oral appliances before the procedure.
After the Procedure
Your throat may feel mildly sore or numb for a few hours after the examination. Once the numbness has completely worn off, you may resume eating and drinking unless your provider instructs otherwise. Because of the sedative medications, plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Risks and Possible Complications
A TEE is a commonly performed procedure and serious complications are uncommon. Potential risks include:
- Mild sore throat or hoarseness
- Temporary difficulty swallowing
- Nausea from the sedative medication
- Reactions to sedation, such as changes in breathing, blood pressure, or heart rate
- Bleeding or injury to the mouth, throat, or esophagus (rare)
- Esophageal perforation (very rare)
- Aspiration of stomach contents if fasting instructions are not followed
Contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care if you experience severe chest or throat pain, difficulty swallowing that worsens, fever, persistent vomiting, coughing up blood, or difficulty breathing after your procedure.
