Transesophageal echocardiography
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Transesophageal echocardiogram. (Discuss) Proposed since October 2010. |
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEEC) is a diagnostic procedure that involves feeding a small ultrasound device into a patient's esophagus to evaluate heart function. Since the esophagus is very close to the heart (left atrium), there is less noise-distortion compared to traditional echocardiography and higher-resolution images can be obtained.
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[edit] Indications
Transesophageal echocardiography may be used to diagnose heart conditions, assess the overall function of the heart, or evaluate abnormalities of the left atrium.
[edit] Contraindications
Contraindications include previous esophageal surgery, swallowing problems, severe hiatal hernia, previous chest radiation, severe bleeding problems, and severe esophageal ulcers.
[edit] Procedure
The outpatient procedure takes 15–20 minutes and is performed by a cardiologist or an anesthesiologist in an operating room. The patient is under mild to moderate sedation.
The patient can start eating and drinking one hour after the procedure or after sedation has subsided.
[edit] Adverse effects
The procedure carries a 1:7,000–1:10,000 risk of esophageal perforation. Other adverse effects include mouth and throat soreness and somnolence from sedation.
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