A TEE is a type of cardiac ultrasound, which is performed by positioning an ultrasound probe in the esophagus, behind and below the heart.  It is used to diagnose the extent of heart valve disease and assess the effectiveness of valve repair or replacement surgery.  It is also used to visualize areas of the heart not seen by traditional cardiac ultrasound.

Instructions to the Patient
This procedure requires conscious sedation and is performed in the Ambulatory Care Department by a Cardiologist.  The patient must not eat or drink after midnight, the night before the test.  The patient cannot eat or drink for 2 hours after the test.  The patient cannot drive for 24 hours after the test.

Additional Information
The procedure is virtually painless.  The exam takes approximately 30 minutes with a recovery period of up to 60 minutes.

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