Trans-Oesophageal Echodiogram (TEE)

Ultrasound waves are used to aid in an Echocardiogram technique to visualize the heart and the blood vessels. This helps your doctor to take a better look wihin the heart, the valves and it's chambers. Essentially, a Trans-Oesophageal Echogram is an invasive procedure that requires inserting a tiny, long, and flexible probe into the mouth and right down the oesophagus (food tube).

Why do you need a Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)?

Your doctor will recommend a Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiogram to assess the occurence of a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks (ministrokes) as a result of blood clots. This procedure aids in spotting blood clots, tumours and abnormal masses located within the heart that might be detected using standard echocardiographic images. Additionally, it's used to detect specific valve problems which includes infected heart valves.

It helps to examine the success rate of previous heart procedures that include valve replacements and bypass surgeries, including other heart conditions such as congenital heart diseases.