Which is better TEE or TTE
Christopher Lucas
Published Apr 06, 2026
As compared with TTE, TEE offers superior visualization of posterior cardiac structures because of close proximity of the esophagus to the posteromedial heart with lack of intervening lung and bone. This proximity permits use of high-frequency imaging transducers that afford superior spatial resolution.
Is TTE or TEE more accurate?
Conclusions: TEE provides higher accuracy and feasibility than TTE in the diagnosis of BAV, and it should therefore be indicated when morphological features of AVs cannot be evaluated by TTE.
When would you use a transesophageal echocardiogram?
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram. It is usually done when your doctor wants to look more closely at your heart to see if it could be producing blood clots. Like an echocardiogram, the TEE uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the structures of the heart.
What is the difference between transthoracic echocardiogram TTE and transesophageal echocardiogram TEE )?
A traditional echocardiogram is done by putting the transducer on the surface of the chest. This is called a transthoracic echocardiogram. A transesophageal echocardiogram is done by inserting a probe with a transducer down the esophagus.Why do I need a transthoracic echocardiogram?
Getting a transthoracic echocardiogram, or TTE, gives your doctor a good view of your overall heart health including seeing how your heart beats and checking for any heart issues.
Do you hold blood thinners for TEE?
Notify the doctor if patients have a history of bleeding disorders or if they are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary to stop some of these medications prior to the procedure.
What's a TTE test?
TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAM (TTE) TTE is the type of echocardiogram that most people will have. A trained sonographer performs the test. A heart doctor (cardiologist) interprets the results. An instrument called a transducer is placed on various locations on your chest and upper abdomen and directed toward the heart.
Is a TEE test safe?
Risks of Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) TEE is generally a safe procedure. At Stanford, we take every precaution to ensure our patients’ safety during a TEE. Possible risks of a TEE include: Damage to the esophagus, including bleeding or a tear (very rare)Is a TEE test painful?
Many people find TEE to be uncomfortable, but not actually painful. The staff at the echocardiography lab will take several steps to make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gel,or gargling solution.
What is TTE stroke?TTE—Left Ventricular Thrombus and Left Ventricular Dysfunction. The second most prevalent cause of cardioembolic stroke is LV akinesia related or not to LV thrombus (19, 20). TTE will easily detect LV akinesia of cardiac apex and anterior wall with 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity (21).
Article first time published onCan you eat before a TTE?
How do I prepare for the TTE? THIS TEST REQUIRES NO SPECIAL PREPARATION. You may eat and perform normal activities (unless instructed otherwise). You may continue to take your medicines as your doctor prescribes.
How is a TTE performed?
During a TTE, you will lie on your back or on your left side on a bed or table. Small metal discs (electrodes) will be taped to your arms and legs to record your heart rate during the test. A small amount of gel will be rubbed on the left side of your chest to help pick up the sound waves.
How much does a transesophageal echocardiogram cost?
How Much Does a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) ranges from $720 to $1,409. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.
What colors are bad on an echocardiogram?
If you look even closer, you can see that the mitral valve in this echocardiogram has severe prolapse. You can see the failure of the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets to seal tightly. Plus, the rampant mixture of red and blue colors in the echocardiogram illustrates significant backward blood flow.
What can a TTE detect?
It can be used to detect a heart attack, enlargement/hypertrophy of the heart and infiltration of the heart from an abnormal substance (e.g. amyloidosis). Weakness of the heart, cardiac tumors and a variety of other findings can be diagnosed with a TTE.
What are the 4 stages of congestive heart failure?
There are four stages of heart failure (Stage A, B, C and D). The stages range from “high risk of developing heart failure” to “advanced heart failure,” and provide treatment plans.
Can echo detect heart blockage?
Your doctor might recommend a stress echocardiogram to check for coronary artery problems. However, an echocardiogram can’t provide information about any blockages in the heart’s arteries.
Who performs tee?
For example, TEE may be used to look for blood clots in your heart. A doctor, not a sonographer, performs this type of echo. The test provides ultrasound photos of your heart to your cardiologist so they can get a detailed image.
Do you need an IV for a TTE?
You may be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test. You will lie on your back or on your left side on a bed or table. You may receive medicine through a vein (intravenously, or IV). The IV can be used to give you a contrast material.
What are the different types of echocardiograms?
There are three types of echocardiography: transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE). A transthoracicn echocardiogram takes images within the body from the skin’s surface, without devices entering the body.
Can stopping blood thinners cause a stroke?
Stopping Blood Thinners Raises Stroke Risk for Patients With Irregular Heartbeat. WEDNESDAY, April 25 (HealthDay News) — When patients with atrial fibrillation stop taking anti-clotting drugs, their stroke risk goes up quickly, new research finds.
Are you awake during tee?
Once the test is ready to begin, you will be given a sedative to help you relax, and a numbing medication will be sprayed down your throat. This will make the passage of the transesophageal ultrasound probe more comfortable. You will be awake enough to swallow if necessary.
Do blood thinners make you tired?
Aside from bleeding-related issues, there are several side effects that have been linked to blood thinners, such as nausea and low counts of cells in your blood. Low blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Be careful mixing medications.
Are you intubated for a tee?
The patient needs to have tracheal intubation and have cardiac monitoring prior to TEE probe placement.
Can you drive after a tee?
You should not drive until the day after the procedure. The sedation given during the test causes drowsiness, dizziness and impairs your judgment, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate machinery.
Can I eat after a tee?
How do I care for myself after my TEE? Do not eat or drink for 2 hours after the test. The spray that we gave you at the start of your test numbed your throat. You will not be able to swallow properly for about 2 hours after the test.
What are the side effects of a tee?
- Breathing problems.
- Heart rhythm problems.
- Bleeding.
- Injury to the teeth, mouth, throat, or esophagus.
Is a tee an invasive procedure?
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce detailed images of your heart and arteries.
Why do a tee after a stroke?
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is useful in detecting potential intrathoracic sources of embolism1234567 and is often performed in patients who have suffered from stroke or other systemic embolic events.
When should I tee for endocarditis?
Those at high risk for endocarditis or its complications in particular should undergo early TEE. Serial studies may be required to guide management.
How does a CT scan detect a stroke?
The images look like “slices” of the patient’s head, giving doctors a three-dimensional look at the patient’s brain. A brain CT scan can show bleeding in the brain or damage to the brain cells from a stroke. This test can also reveal other brain conditions that may be causing the patient’s symptoms.