Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A Closer Look at Your Heart
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an advanced imaging test that uses sound waves to create highly detailed images of the heart. Unlike standard echocardiograms, which capture images from outside the chest, TEE provides a clearer view from inside the body. During the procedure, a healthcare provider guides a thin, flexible tube down the esophagus, allowing for precise visualization of the heart’s structure and function. This test is particularly useful for detecting blood clots, infections, and other cardiac conditions.
What Can a TEE Detect?
A TEE provides detailed images of the heart and helps diagnose and manage various conditions, including:
- Aortic Aneurysm – A bulge in the body’s largest blood vessel.
- Blood Clots in the Heart – Particularly common in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of clots forming in the atria (upper heart chambers).
- Cardiac Tumors – Detects both cancerous and noncancerous growths.
- Congenital Heart Disease – Identifies structural heart problems present from birth.
- Heart Valve Disease – Assesses valve narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation), as well as complications in prosthetic heart valves, such as infections or abnormal growths.
- Infective Endocarditis – Diagnoses bacterial or fungal infections affecting heart tissue and valves.
- Pericardial Disease – Evaluates conditions affecting the protective sac around the heart.
Why is TEE Important?
TEE offers a more detailed and accurate view of the heart than standard echocardiograms, making it a crucial tool for diagnosing complex cardiac conditions and guiding treatment plans.