A transesophageal echocardiogram offers an excellent opportunity to obtain
clear and accurate pictures of the heart. During the procedure a special probe
is inserted through the back of the throat into the stomach. The patient is
sedated and often remembers nothing about the procedure.
On the day of the test, you should register with Outpatient Registration area
on the first floor of the Medical Center behind the Information Desk. Plan
to arrive one and one half hours before the scheduled time. If you have an
artificial valve, you should arrive two and a half hours early so that you
may receive a dose of IV antibiotics first. Following registration, you will
be directed to Endoscopy on the second floor where the test will be performed.
There is a waiting area outside Endoscopy for any family members.
To prepare for this test:
- Do Not Eat or Drink Anything for Six Hours Prior to the Test
- Empty the Bladder Before Coming In
- Remove all Jewelry
- Make Sure a Responsible Adult is With You Drive You Home (You
Should Not Drive for 24 Hours Following the Procedure)
- If You Have an Artificial Valve, Please Notify Cardiopulmonary
Services if You are Allergic to Any Antibiotics (at (419) 226-9077)
- Bring a List of all Medications Taken, the Dosage and Frequency
- No Smoking for 24 Hours Before the Test
You and the performing cardiologist must sign a consent form.
A brief medical history will be taken and an IV will be inserted into your
arm. If you have an artificial heart valve, a dose of IV antibiotics will be
given before the test begins. You will then lie on your left side and will
be attached to an ECG monitor for the entire procedure. Your respiration and
blood pressure will also be monitored throughout the procedure.
The back of your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray.
You will also receive IV sedation. A nurse will be suctioning your throat as
needed once the probe is inserted through the back of the throat and into the
stomach. Ultrasound pictures of the heart will then be recorded and saved onto
a videotape. The procedure takes about 30 - 45 minutes but you will be
at the Medical Center approximately three hours.
After the test, your pulse, respiration and blood pressure will
be monitored every 15 minutes until they return to normal and the IV will be
removed. Once you are awake and can move around, you will be given home instructions
and are allowed to leave with a responsible driver. A report will be compiled
and sent to the ordering physician and any referring physician.
