Echocardiogram

TransThoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) – Uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to image your heart. This test looks at your heart structure and function, including chamber sizes, thickness and blood flow through the valves/chambers. Helps assess heart function as one of the most useful cardiac tests.

No special prep is required.

You will be asked to underdress from the waist up and provided a paper gown. Ultrasound gel will be placed on your chest for the ultrasound.
You may request a chaperone during this test and one of our staff members will be happy to be present with you during testing.

TransEsophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) – uses ultrasound similar to a TTE, but the ultrasound probe is a miniature version that is passed through the mouth into the lower part of the esophagus (food pipe) and upper part of the stomach (while you are sedated and kept comfortable, similar to an endoscopy). The location of the probe internally places it much closer to the cardiac chambers without much intervening tissue to lessen artifact, and get more detailed and magnified images. This is used to look for blood clots and also to get better views of the valves and aorta (large blood vessel through which the heart pumps blood to the body), when transthoracic imaging is inadequate or unable to provide the detail needed. This test is completed at the hospital and typically patients are able to return home in a couple hours.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TEE:

• On the day of procedure do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to the test.

• You should continue medications as prescribed unless you are told otherwise.

• You will need someone to accompany you to the procedure. You will be required to have someone drive you home since you will have received sedative medications during the test.