Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a special form of echocardiography in which an ultrasound transducer is guided on a thin, flexible tube through the mouth and esophagus to just before the heart. This procedure allows for very clear and detailed images of the heart to be obtained, as the ultrasound waves are not attenuated by skin, bone, or tissue, which is particularly useful for assessing structures such as the heart valves, atria, ventricles, and adjacent large blood vessels.
Do you have any questions about our heart and vascular examinations? Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, please contact us here.
Transesophageal echocardiography is an advanced form of cardiac ultrasound examination that provides more detailed images of the heart by positioning an ultrasound transducer on a thin tube through the esophagus near the heart. This procedure is often used to more accurately diagnose specific heart problems, such as valve disease, atrial septal defects, or the assessment of heart valves in bacterial endocarditis.
Before a TEE, fasting for about six hours is usually required to keep the stomach empty. In addition, the patient receives a sedative and a local anesthetic in the throat area to minimize gag reflexes and reduce discomfort during the examination.
The TEE is usually not painful, as the throat is numbed with a local anesthetic and sedatives are often used in addition. Patients may experience slight discomfort or pressure when the tube is inserted or during manipulation for image acquisition.
The actual examination usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific information the cardiologist needs. However, patients should allow a total of about 1 to 2 hours for preparation and follow-up.
Although a TEE is generally safe, there are some risks such as mild throat irritation, allergic reactions to the anesthetic, blood pressure fluctuations due to the sedative, or in rare cases, injury to the esophagus. Patients should report any potential symptoms after the examination, such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, to their doctor immediately.
Wir bieten eine Vielzahl weiterer Untersuchungen an, um ein umfassendes Bild Ihrer kardiovaskulären Gesundheit zu erhalten. Diese Untersuchungen helfen uns, individuelle Behandlungspläne zu erstellen und Ihre Herzgesundheit optimal zu fördern.
If you have any questions, you can reach us in several ways
Your cardiovascular clinic - individual heart and vascular treatment at the highest level.
© 2025 Swiss CVC. All rights reserved
