What is a transesophageal echo or TEE?
A transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE is similar to a TTE except the transducer is located on the end of a 100cm flexible scope, called a TEE probe. The TEE probe is placed in the esophagus via the mouth. The heart lies directly over the esophagus and the TEE examination allows for unobstructed images of the heart. A TEE examination is used when ribs and air in the lungs limit the information available from a TTE. Ultrasound transmission is altered when the sound waves pass through air filled tissue such as lung or bone tissue such as ribs.
