Transoesophageal

Echocardiography
Definition
 A diagnostic test using an ultrasound device that is
passed into the esophagus of the patient to create a
clear image of the heart muscle and other parts of
the heart.
 A tube with a device called a transducer is passed
down into the patient’s throat and into the
esophagus.
 The transducer directs ultrasound waves into the
heart, and the reflected sound waves picked up by
the transducer are translated into an image of the
heart.
Purpose
 Provides a very clear picture of the heart
 Provides information on the size of the heart, its
pumping strength, and the location and extent of
any damage to its tissues.
 Can detect abnormal tissue growth around the heart
valves
 Can detect abnormalities in the pattern of blood
flow, such as backward flow of blood through partly
closed heart valves, known as regurgitation of
insufficiency.
 Useful in cases in which conventional
echocardiography (a test where the
transducer is kept on the patient’s chest)
cannot offer a good image, such as when the
patient is obese or has a thick chest wall.
 Monitors heart function during cardiac
surgery and detecting blood clots in the left
atrium of the heart.
Equipment
Nursing Consideration
 Patients should avoid consuming alcohol for
a day or so before the procedure, since
alcohol may amplify the effects of the
sedative used with the procedure.
Aftercare
 After the test, it is important to refrain from
eating or drinking until the gag reflex has
returned—otherwise, the patient may
accidentally inhale some of the food or
beverage. Has been given, patient’s
 If a sedative has been given, patients should
not drive or operate heavy machinery for at
least 10-12 hours. They should avoid
consuming alcohol for a day or so, since
alcohol may amplify the effect of the sedative.
 Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure,
electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG), and how
tired you feel are monitored during the test.

 Healthy people who take the test are at very

little risk. It’s about the same as if they walk
fast or jog up a big hill. Medical professional
should be present in case something unusual
happens during the test.
Nursing Consideration
 Patient Education
 Patients must be well prepared for a stress test.
They should only know the purpose of the test,
but also signs and symptoms that indicate the test
should be stopped.
 Physicians, nurses, and ECG technicians can
ensure patient safety by encourage them to
immediately communicate discomfort at any time
during the stress test.