Expertise
Echo – TTE & TEE
At ARAVIND HEART CARE, we offer advanced Echocardiogram (ECHO) services, including Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) and Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), to provide detailed imaging of your heart.
These non-invasive or minimally invasive tests use ultrasound technology to create live images of your heart’s structure and function, helping to diagnose and manage a wide range of heart conditions such as valvular heart disease, congenital defects, and heart failure.
What Is a Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)?
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common type of echocardiogram. During the procedure, an ultrasound transducer is placed on your chest to capture images of your heart. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your heart’s chambers, valves, and surrounding structures.
TTE is often used to:
- Diagnose heart valve disorders, heart failure, and congenital heart disease.
- Assess the size, shape, and movement of the heart’s chambers and walls.
- Measure blood flow through the heart and major arteries.
- Monitor heart function in patients with existing heart conditions.
What Is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)?
A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is a more specialized form of echocardiogram that provides a clearer, more detailed view of the heart’s structures. In this procedure, a thin, flexible probe with a transducer at the tip is passed down the esophagus, allowing the device to get closer to the heart and produce more accurate images.
TEE is often recommended when a TTE doesn’t provide sufficient detail or when there are concerns about:
- Heart valve abnormalities, including aortic valve disease or mitral valve disease.
- Blood clots in the heart, especially after a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
- Congenital heart defects that require closer examination.
- Evaluating the heart before surgical procedures such as valve replacement or repair.
Benefits of TTE and TEE
- Non-Invasive or Minimally Invasive: TTE is entirely non-invasive, and TEE is minimally invasive, requiring only mild sedation.
- Detailed Imaging: Both TTE and TEE provide real-time, accurate images of your heart’s structure and function.
- Safe and Effective: These tests are safe for most patients, including pregnant women and children.
- Early Detection: Detects heart conditions early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
When Are TTE and TEE Used?
Both TTE and TEE are used to diagnose a range of heart conditions, including
- Heart valve disorders: TTE and TEE can show how well your valves are functioning and detect problems like stenosis or regurgitation.
- Congenital heart defects: These tests help assess congenital abnormalities in the heart’s structure.
- Heart failure: Echocardiograms are critical in diagnosing and monitoring heart failure by showing how well your heart pumps blood.
- Cardiac tumors or clots: TEE is particularly useful in identifying blood clots or tumors in the heart that are not visible with a TTE.
FAQs
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) is performed by placing a transducer on the chest, which captures heart images externally. A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), on the other hand, involves inserting a probe into the esophagus to get closer to the heart for clearer and more detailed images.
No, TTE is completely non-invasive and painless. You may feel slight pressure as the transducer is moved across your chest, but it does not cause discomfort.
Yes, TEE is safe and is commonly performed under mild sedation to minimize discomfort. The risks are minimal, though some patients may experience a mild sore throat afterward.
A typical TTE takes about 30 to 60 minutes. A TEE takes slightly longer, about 45 to 60 minutes, including preparation and recovery time.
Yes, a mild sedative is usually administered for a TEE to ensure comfort during the procedure, as the probe is inserted into the esophagus.
You will likely be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Dr. C.S. Aravind will provide specific instructions based on your condition.
After a TEE, you may experience mild throat irritation, which usually resolves within a day. You’ll need someone to drive you home if sedation was used. You can typically resume normal activities the next day.
After a TTE, you can return to normal activities immediately. After a TEE, it’s best to rest for the remainder of the day due to the sedation.
Both tests are used to detect a variety of heart conditions, including valvular heart disease, heart failure, blood clots, congenital heart defects, and tumors.
Dr. C.S. Aravind will typically review the results immediately after the test and discuss them with you. In some cases, results may be available within a day.
Both tests have their place in diagnosing heart conditions. TTE is the first line of imaging and is non-invasive, while TEE provides more detailed images when needed, especially for assessing valve disease, detecting blood clots, or evaluating complex conditions.