Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
What is it?
A TEE is a dedicated specialised echocardiogram that involves inserting a long flexible probe (transducer) into the esophagus (the long food pipe that connects your mouth to the stomach). It allows your doctor to view your heart without the lungs and ribs obstructing the view. This technique can, therefore, record better images of your heart as compared to the normal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).
Why do I need one?
After weighing the risks and benefits of this procedure, your Cardiologist would have determined on the basis of your condition that it is more beneficial for you to undergo this procedure. This particular procedure is very helpful to give further information to your Cardiologist if you have one or more of the following conditions:
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Congenital heart disease
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Heart valves abnormalities of which a form of repair may be planned
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Infection of the heart valves
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The possibility of a blood clot in the left side chambers of your heart
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Surgically repaired or replace valves.
