What is a TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram) ?

A transesophageal echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that provides pictures of your heart. A small tube is placed in your mouth and passed down the esophagus. Because the esophagus is beside the heart, clear pictures can be taken.

For your safety

• DO NOT eat or drink anything 6 hours before your test.
• DO take your medications with a sip of water.
• An escort must bring you in and pick you up. You must not drive yourself.
• TEE is done in the Cardiology Department at the Health Sciences Centre or the Bergen Cardiac Care Centre at St. Boniface General Hospital.
• TEE takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Any other questions, please call the Echo Lab where you are having your test.

For your test

• An intravenous will be started in your arm.
• Medications will be given to relax you and to numb your throat.

• You may feel drowsy.
• Have a family member or significant other plan to stay with you for 3 to 4 hours.
• Your throat will be numb.
• DO NOT eat or drink anything until the numb feeling is gone. This takes about 1 hour.

• St. Boniface General Hospital
• Health Sciences Centre