Echocardiogram (cont.)
What Should I Do to Prepare for a Transesophageal Echo?
Tell your doctor if you have any problems with your esophagus such as hiatal hernia, swallowing problems, or cancer, or if you have neck problems.
On the day of the test, do not eat or drink anything for six hours before the test. Take all of your medications at the usual times, as prescribed by your doctor. If you must take medication before the test, take it with a small sip of water.
If you have diabetes and take medication or insulin to manage your blood sugar, please ask your doctor or the testing center for specific guidelines about taking your diabetes medications before the test.
Someone should come with you to your appointment to take you home, as you should not drive until the day after the test. The sedation given during the test causes drowsiness, dizziness and impairs your judgment, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate machinery.
What Happens During the Transesophageal Echo?
Before the test, you will be asked to remove dentures. An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand so that medications can be delivered during the test.
A technician will gently rub three small areas on your chest and place electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (ECG or EKG) that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.
A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure during the test. A small clip, attached to a pulse oximeter, will be placed on your finger to monitor the oxygen level of your blood during the test.
A mild sedative (medicine to help you relax) will be given through your IV. Because of the sedative, you may not be entirely awake for the test.
A dental suction tip will be placed into your mouth to remove any secretions. A thin, lubricated endoscope (viewing instrument) will be inserted into your mouth, down your throat and into your esophagus. This won't affect breathing. You may be asked to swallow at certain times to help pass the
endoscope. This part of the test lasts a few seconds and may be uncomfortable. Once the endoscope is positioned, pictures of the heart are obtained at various angles. You will not feel this part of the test.
When completed, the tube is withdrawn. You will be monitored for about 20-30 minutes after the test, which takes about 90 minutes to perform.
Someone will need to drive you home after the test. You should not eat or drink until the anesthetic spray wears off or until the numbness in your throat is gone -- about an hour after the test. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Center (2005).
SOURCES: The Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute. The National Institutes of Health.
Reviewed by David W. Stein, MD on December 01, 2006
Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD on October 01, 2005
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 12/20/2007
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