A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an imaging test. A doctor may order a TEE to help diagnose certain heart conditions.

A TEE is a type of ultrasound. It takes pictures of your heart with the help of specialized high frequency sound waves.

Here’s the important information you need to know about this diagnostic procedure, including the process, how you need to prepare, and any risks involved.

Your doctor may order a TEE to help diagnose certain heart conditions. These include:

During a TEE, a medical professional places a flexible tube, called a probe, inside your esophagus. Your esophagus is also known as your food pipe.

Placing the probe in this area helps to provide more detailed pictures, due to its location behind the heart, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

A TEE allows a doctor to get a closer look at your heart’s:

Collectively, the images can show:

While the basic principles of TEE are the same for children and adults, doctors may order a TEE for a child in the case of suspected congenital heart problems.

Doctors may also use TEE during certain heart surgeries, such as repairing congenital diseases or during heart transplants.

Here’s what you can expect during a TEE:

Overall, the risks of TEE are minimal, according to the American Heart Association. Your throat may feel sore for a couple of days, and there’s a small chance of bleeding from possible tears in the esophagus.

There are also possible risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia.

The American Academy of Anesthesiologists suggested talking with your doctor about the following:

A doctor will review specific preparatory steps you should take before a TEE. These may include the following:

You may typically go home the same day as your procedure. Due to the effects of anesthesia, you’ll need someone to help you get home.

Avoid eating or drinking anything until your throat is no longer numb. This can help reduce the risk of accidental choking. You should be able to swallow a few hours after the TEE.

During the first 1 to 2 days, you may experience a sore throat from the probe that was in your esophagus. Drinking plenty of fluids and sucking on popsicles or cough drops can help ease this discomfort. Call your doctor if your throat doesn’t feel better after a few days.

It’s also possible to cough up blood-tinged saliva or mucus. While this is typical within the first 24 hours, you should call your doctor if the blood is excessive or if you cough up blood for more than a day.

Also, if your doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take these as directed to help prevent infection.

You should be able to resume regular activities, including work and school, after 24 hours. Your doctor will notify you of the TEE results within a few days.

A TEE itself isn’t painful due to the use of numbing agents and anesthesia. However, you may experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure, including a sore throat.

Doctors consider TEE a minimally invasive procedure. It involves more preparation than other imaging tests, but there are no incisions. Invasive surgeries, on the other hand, do include incisions.

Yes. General anesthesia makes the procedure more comfortable for you. It also makes it easier for a doctor to move the probe around your esophagus for the clearest heart images possible.

While numerous diagnostic imaging exams are available, a doctor may specifically order a TEE to better determine the presence of certain heart diseases. In children, a TEE may also help detect congenital heart conditions.

TEE is minimally invasive, and it doesn’t cause many side effects. It’s still important to discuss all the preparatory steps and possible risks with your doctor well before the procedure.

Last medically reviewed on July 14, 2022

Heart disease tests include echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Learn more about these tests and others.

Your heart keeps you alive and well, and protecting its health should be a top priority. Here are 18 heart-healthy snacks and drinks.

What you eat is key to keeping your heart healthy. Here are the 6 best diets for heart health.

You may need surgery if your mitral valve isn't working properly. We review the reasons for mitral valve replacement, how to prepare, and what to…

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to evaluate heart function and diagnose heart conditions. Learn about the procedure and its uses.

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a heart medication that's banned in the United States and prohibited under the…

The soap opera icon reveals how taking her symptoms seriously likely saved her from a heart attack. Now she’s encouraging women everywhere to…

After a heart attack, your doctor may start you on a treatment plan to prevent a future heart attack or other complication.

A pacemaker is implanted under the skin to help manage an irregular heartbeat. Discover who needs a pacemaker, what happens after surgery, and more.