kardiologische_praxis_cj749-311-webIn transesophageal echocardiography, an ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the esophagus, just like during a gastroscopy. This enables certain parts of the heart to be viewed better than is possible with a transthoracic echocardiogram. It assists, in particular, in searching for blood clots in the atria, e.g. in identifying the cause of strokes, in acute peripheral vascular occlusions or prior to electrical cardioversion, e.g. in treating atrial fibrillation. TEE also allows a more precise assessment of disease in the cardiac valves and aorta. The examination is carried out on an empty stomach, and after anesthesia of the pharynx.