Transesophageal Echocardiogram at UPMC in Central Pa.

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic procedure that uses echocardiography (sound waves) to assess the heart’s function.

What is a TEE?

A transesophageal echocardiogram is performed by inserting a probe with a transducer down the esophagus rather than placing the transducer on the chest.

By going through the esophagus, TEE provides a clearer image of the heart because the sound waves do not have to pass through skin, muscle, or bone tissue. TEE may also be used during surgery to assess the cardiac status of patients with known cardiac disease who are undergoing non-cardiac procedures, and during heart surgery to evaluate the effects of a surgical procedure on the heart.

What does a TEE diagnose?

Transesophageal echocardiography can evaluate the signs and symptoms of several conditions, including:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Aneurysm
• Valvular heart disease
• Cardiac tumor
• Pericarditis
• Infective endocarditis

How to Prepare

Your cardiologist will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.

• You will need to fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will notify you how long to fast, usually overnight.
• Notify your doctor of all medications (prescription, over-the-counter or herbal supplements) you are taking if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant if you are allergic to or sensitive to medications, local anesthesia, or latex.
• Your doctor may request a blood test to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.
• If a sedative is given before the procedure, you may need someone to drive your home afterwards.

What to Expect

• A TEE may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm for injection of medication and to administer IV fluids if needed. Lying on your left side, you will be connected to an ECG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the procedure. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and other vitals will also be monitored.
• A local anesthetic spray will be applied to the back of the throat and you will receive a sedative medication in your IV before the procedure to help you relax. The TEE probe will be passed through your mouth and down your throat and the necessary images will be taken.

After the Procedure

During recovery, nurses will monitor your heart rate, ECG and other vitals. You may feel weak, tired, or groggy for the remainder of the day of the procedure, and your throat may be sore for a few days.

If the procedure was performed on an outpatient basis, you may be discharged home, unless your doctor determines that your condition requires further observation or hospital admission.

Need more information?

Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Practices
Cumberland/Dauphin/Franklin/Perry Counties: 717-731-0101
Pediatric : 717-761-0200
Hanover: 717-637-1738
York: 717-849-5576
Lancaster/Lititz: 717-299-5000
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery: 717-231-8555

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Locations

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
1251 East Main Street
Suite 3
Annville, PA 17003
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
360 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Adult Cardiology: 717-243-6557
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-243-0102 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
900 Century Drive
Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-591-3660 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-591-3661

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Professional Center of Newport
300 Bretz Court
Newport, PA 17074
Phone: 717-567-7246 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-567-2621 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2808 Old Post Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Adult Cardiology: 717-920-4400
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-920-4401

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
12 Saint Paul Drive
Suite 205
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-217-6889

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Commerce Park Professional Center
20 Expedition Trail
Suite 203
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
2200
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Office Building
310 Stock Street
Suite 3
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
16324 Mount Airy Road
Lower Level
Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1600 6th Avenue
Suite 105
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1555 Highlands Drive
Suite 100
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205 

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (formerly Cardiac Consultants)
1697 Crown Avenue
Suite 100
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-299-5000
Fax: 717-431-1205