Transesophageal Echocardiogram

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This is a special type of sound wave examination of the heart to evaluate the function of the heart muscle and the valves. To perform this, a tube, the size of your little finger, is inserted into the food pipe under sedation and local anesthesia to the throat.
You should be fasting for at least 6 hours before this test.
Once you arrive, the nurse will insert an IV line in your arm for IV sedation. Your throat is then sprayed with local anesthesia before introduction of the probe. Insertion of the probe is a little uncomfortable, but does not hurt. The test will take about 15 minutes.
You must not eat or drink for 2 hours after the test then start with water. If no problem, food can be started. Avoid hot drinks.
You must not drive any vehicle and avoid signing and any documents for the rest of the day due to intermittent dizziness from sedation effect. Preferably to be accompanied by an adult relative.
If there is any chest pain or vomiting with blood, please contact the Echo lab or refer to emergency room.
The result of the test will be sent to your doctor.
You should come to the clinic no more than 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. To avoid overcrowding and congestion, you should not attend earlier than this, unless instructed to do so.
If it is necessary to cancel / change an appointment, this should be done no later than 24 hours prior to the appointment time.
You will be given a short questionnaire to answer about any allergies.