Cardiologists at Northwest Hospital Center in Randallstown are now using Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) to study heart functioning in detail.
TEE is a means to detect abnormalities of heart valve structure and function. The test detects infections on the valves, evaluates functioning of prosthetic valves, and detects clots and masses within the heart chambers.
"TEE is a valuable diagnostic tool in detecting heart problems," says Dean Boyden, director of Cardio-Pulmonary Services at Northwest Hospital. "Since the esophagus is located adjacent to the heart, the most accurate pictures possible are obtained. With TEE, we can see the heart structure and function and even abnormalities in blood flow through the heart. This test provides the physician with more detailed information with which to draw a more definitive conclusion than with previous methods."
To perform TEE, a probe is inserted into the esophagus behind the heart. The probe sends high-frequency sound waves to the heart, and the sound waves bounce off the heart to create moving pictures of the body's vital muscle. The images show the heart, its valves, chambers, and blood flow more accurately and much clearer than with standard echocardiography, which uses a transducer on the chest outside of the body to send signals to the heart.
TEE is performed under IV sedation on an inpatient or outpatient basis, and lasts approximately one hour. Patients are instructed to avoid eating for up to two hours following the test due to numbing of the throat.
Northwest Hospital Center is a member of LifeBridge Health, a regional health organization, which includes Sinai Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home, and related subsidiaries and affiliates.
