Before cardioversion, you may need a test called a TEE (transesophageal echocardiography). During this test, you swallow a small ultrasound device. This lets the health care team look inside your heart atria for blood clots. If blood clots are found, you may need blood thinners* before cardioversion. This will help reduce your stroke risk.
Your cardiologist may recommend a TEE when the standard echocardiogram isn't clear enough to make the suspected diagnosis or if you are having heart surgery so the surgeon and anesthesia team have more information to guide treatment after surgery.
Although intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is increasingly important in cardiac surgery for monitoring, decision-making, and improving clinical outcomes, current society guidelines have not been updated with the latest evidence on its benefits.
Also called a stress test or treadmill test, exercise testing can provide valuable information in people with valvular heart disease, especially in those whose symptoms may be difficult to assess.
Sometimes the probe needs to be closer to your heart to give clearer pictures. If that happens, you may need a special test called a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). During a TEE: • You might get medication to help you relax and a numbing fluid sprayed in the back of your throat.
Would my health 5 insurance cover the Lp(a) test? • Health insurance often covers Lp(a) testing, but if you’re unsure, contact your insurance, provide the CPT code 83695 to check coverage. If not covered, your doctor may be able to help find affordable options.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): A TEE uses similar technology as a TTE. After properly numbing your throat and giving you intravenous sedation, your sonographer and doctor will attach a probe to a thin tube that passes down your throat and into your esophagus.
The test usually lasts one to four hours. If the type and location of the abnormal heart rhythm is identified and an appropriate therapy decided, cardiac ablation or insertion of a pacemaker or ICD may be performed during or right after the EP study.
