3D Transesophageal Echocardiography

The three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiogram is a highly diagnostic, specialized, mild invasive examination that uses ultrasound to image the heart. This procedure allows the cardiologist to form a better image than with a transthoracic echocardiogram. The three-dimensional analysis of the images by a specialized and certified doctor, in computer software, allows the detailed and accurate evaluation of the heart. The doctor will insert a small, flexible transducer through the esophagus that will visualize your heart clearly, as the esophagus is just behind the heart. The whole procedure is very similar to gastroscopy.

• Accurate and detailed assessment of the anatomy and function of natural and prosthetic valves.
• Prior to electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to check for blood clots within the heart cavity to prevent a stroke.
• When microbial infection of cardiac structures, such as valves, and pacemaker / defibrillator cables (infective endocarditis) is suspected.
• In young people after an ischemic stroke to have a thorough investigation of its cause.
• Evaluation of anatomy and aortic diseases such as aneurysm and atherosclerosis.
• Differential diagnosis and evaluation of anatomy and spatial planning of heart tumors (eg myxoma, left atrial thrombus, etc.)

A comparative advantage of the transesophageal echo is the clearer images, especially of structures that are difficult to project through the thorax. Many cardiac structures can be evaluated and visualized more clearly, including the aorta, pulmonary artery, valves, atria, and interatrial septum.

Obesity, chronic respiratory diseases (eg COPD, asthma) and structural variants of the thorax (eg scoliosis, scapular sternum) can significantly reduce the quality of transthoracic ultrasound. In these cases the transesophageal echo significantly improves imaging.

Often, one test complements the other.

Trnasesophageal echocardiography is a safe, routine examination with very little chance of serious complications. The patient usually tolerates the examination well and may in a few cases report a mild hoarseness and / or sore throat in the hours following the study. The vast majority of side effects are mild and transient and subside within a few hours of the test. More serious side effects may occur, but they are extremely rare.

First a small catheter is placed in a peripheral vein in the hand, local anesthesia is given to the pharynx with spray and then mild intravenous anesthesia. The examination is then performed by inserting a flexible transducer through your mouth into the esophagus which with the emission of sound waves will reflect your heart without interfering with your chest wall and lungs.

Transesophageal Echo is a safe and routine examination.

The diagnostic reliability and safety of the test requires the following:
 • To be performed by a certified, experienced and specialized cardiologist.
 • Presence of experienced nursing staff.
 • Use of modern technological equipment.