Transesophageal Echocardiography
It can be difficult for your doctor to get detailed pictures of your heart through non-invasive means. A standard echocardiogram is useful for a variety of purposes, but it can’t achieve the level of detail needed for some forms of analysis. In those cases where extreme detail is needed, transesophageal echocardiography may be called for. This is one of the many services provided by Beverly Hills Cardiovascular.
A Better Perspective
The motivation behind using transesophageal echocardiography to examine your heart is the advantage gained from the perspective that this test achieves. By taking pictures from the esophagus, which is close to the heart, it is possible to get a great look at the heart and its valves. So, although the procedure may be somewhat uncomfortable and not as convenient as a standard echocardiogram, it does yield results that are worth the effort.
How It Happens
Most patients want to know exactly how a transesophageal echocardiography will be performed before they commit to it, since the name itself sounds a little intimidating. Fortunately, the name may make it sound worse than it is, and most patients are pleasantly surprised with how easy it goes in the end.
To get started, you’ll likely be given a numbing spray in your throat to take away its sensitivity. With that done, you will be given a mild sedative to help keep you comfortable and calm during the procedure. When the remaining prep work is done, a small tube will be guided into your mouth and down your throat. This tube carries the transducer which will be producing sound waves to create an image for the doctor to review. The process of capturing images will only take between 10 and 15 minutes.
When finished, the tube will be carefully removed, and you will be monitored as the sedative wears off. There are very few side effects associated with this test, and the most common is a sore throat as a result of the tube being placed and taken out again. Fortunately, this is usually just a mild sore throat for most people, and it may only last a day or two. If you find that your sore throat is particularly painful, or it doesn’t seem to be getting better, contact your doctor to have it checked out.
With all of the work done, your doctor will now have the images he or she needs to make an accurate diagnosis of your heart health and what kind of treatment options may be appropriate for you.
Give Us a Call
If you would like to schedule a cardiovascular procedure, or you would simply like to make an appointment to discuss your heart health and create a treatment plan, Dr. David Filsoof would be happy to help. There are many services available through Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, including cardioversion, cardiac catheterization, and CT coronary angiogram. For more information or to make your first appointment, please contact us right away.
