Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a specialized form of cardiac ultrasound in which a small ultrasound transducer mounted on a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus, positioning it directly behind the heart. Because the esophagus lies immediately adjacent to the heart with no intervening lung or rib, TEE provides exceptionally detailed and high-resolution images of cardiac structures. TEE is particularly valuable for evaluating the mitral valve, detecting left atrial appendage thrombus (blood clots), assessing prosthetic (artificial) heart valves, identifying endocarditis vegetations, evaluating aortic dissection, and guiding cardiac procedures and surgeries. The procedure requires sedation and is performed by a physician, often a cardiologist or anesthesiologist, with specialized training.
Sonography Term