Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Unlike a transthoracic echo, which is done from outside the body, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is performed with a probe inserted into the esophagus. The picture available through the esophagus is much clearer than a traditional echo because there is less distance between the transducer and the heart imaging from the esophagus For example, the Cardiologist can’t view as much of the aorta on a traditional echo, they with TEE. The heart valves can also be seen in much better detail with a transesophageal echocardiogram.