How It Is Done
Before a TEE, your throat may be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gargle, or lozenge. This is to relax your gag reflex and to make it easier to insert the probe. Shortly before the procedure starts, an IV line will be placed in a vein in your arm. Medicine to decrease saliva and stomach secretions may be given through the IV. A pain medicine and sedative will be given to you through the IV in your arm during the procedure. You should feel relaxed and drowsy but still alert enough to cooperate.
Your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the procedure. Also, a small device used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood (pulse oximeter) may be attached to your finger or earlobe.
You will be asked to lie on your left side with your head tilted slightly forward. A mouth guard may be inserted to protect your teeth from the probe. Then the lubricated tip of the probe will be guided into your mouth while your doctor gently presses your tongue out of the way. You may be asked to swallow to help move the tube along. It may be helpful to remember that the probe is no thicker than many foods you swallow. When the probe is in your esophagus, it will be moved down gently to the level of your upper right heart chamber (atrium), and ultrasound images will be taken. You won't feel or hear the sound waves during the test.
During the procedure, try not to swallow unless you are asked. An assistant may remove the saliva from your mouth with a suction device. Or you can just let the saliva drain from the side of your mouth. A transesophageal echo is generally painless. But you might feel nauseated and uncomfortable while the probe is in your throat.
How long the test takes
The test may take about 30 to 60 minutes. The probe may be in your esophagus for about 10 to 20 minutes.