Alabama Heart and Vascular Medicine - Tuscaloosa Cardiologists
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    • Phil Hemstreet, M.D.
    • Dana Hemstreet, CRNP
    • Jeremy Kelley, CRNP
    • Bradley Titus, M.D.
    • Amy Moore, CRNP
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    • Echo/Vascular >
      • Ankle To Brachial Index "ABI"
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      • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
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TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM (TEE)


A Transesophageal Echocardiogram is a special type of echocardiogram test in which the back of your throat will be numbed and a flexible tube with an ultrasound transducer tip will be passed down your esophagus behind your heart. On the end of the scope is a device that sends out sound waves. Your physician will guide the scope down the esophagus. This method will allow your physician to get a clearer echocardiogram of your heart valves, chambers, blood vessels, and the heart muscle itself.  

Why you are having this procedure:  There are several reasons why a patient would be scheduled for a transesophageal echocardiogram including:
           1. Evaluate for infection of one of the heart valves (endocarditis) 
           2. Evaluate if a patient has a small blood clot in the heart
           3. Evaluate to determine if the patient has a small hole that allows blood to pass between the two upper or the two lower chambers of the heart.
           4. Evaluate if a patient has a split or tear between the layers of the walls of the aorta (aortic dissection)

             Prep:  Do not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home following the procedure as you will likely be drowsy following the procedure. You may return to your normal activities the next day.
             What to expect:  Prior to beginning the procedure, you be given a sedative to relax you. The nurse will spray the back of your throat with an anesthetic solution to depress your gag reflex. The tube will then be passed down your esophagus and the procedure will be performed. 
             Risks:
  Complications from this procedure are extremely rare. You may have a sore throat following the procedure. A small tear in the esophagus is also a risk which may heal by itself or require stitches. You should call your cardiologist immediately should you experience coughing or vomiting blood after the procedure. 

​ ©2017 Alabama Heart and Vascular Medicine. All rights Reserved. 
100 Rice Mine Road Loop, Suite 104 Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 
(205) 561-2370 
  • Home
  • Team
    • Phil Hemstreet, M.D.
    • Dana Hemstreet, CRNP
    • Jeremy Kelley, CRNP
    • Bradley Titus, M.D.
    • Amy Moore, CRNP
  • Services
    • Nuclear/Stress
    • Echo/Vascular >
      • Ankle To Brachial Index "ABI"
      • Aorta Duplex Scan
      • Carotid Artery Duplex Scan
      • Echocardiogram
      • Groin Duplex Scan
      • Lower Extremity Arterial Study (LEA)
      • Lower Extremity Venous Study (LEV)
      • Renal Arteriogram
      • Renal Artery Duplex Scan
      • Stress Echocardiogram
      • Venous Duplex Scan
      • Venous Reflux Study
    • Holter/Event Monitor >
      • Holter Monitor
      • Event Monitor
    • Hospital Procedures >
      • Angioplasty
      • Angioplasty and Stent Placement - Heart
      • Arteriograms
      • Atherectomy
      • Cardioversion
      • Carotid Arteriogram
      • ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
      • Left Heart Catheterization
      • Loop Recorder
      • Pacemaker
      • Renal Arteriogram
      • Right Heart Catherization
      • Tilt Table
      • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
    • Pacemaker
  • Resources
    • Patient Portal
    • Make a Payment
    • Imaging and Radiology
    • Lab
  • Education
    • Blood Thinners
    • Weight Loss
    • Exercise
    • Smoking
    • American Heart Association
  • Forms
  • Medical Records
  • Vein Clinic
    • Venous Insufficiency
    • Treatments >
      • Endovenous Laser Ablation
      • Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
      • Phlebectomy
      • Sclerotherapy
  • Office-based Cath Lab
  • The Way
  • Contact Us