transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a medical imaging test used to examine the heart. Unlike a standard echocardiogram that uses a probe placed on the chest, TEE involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera that is gently inserted down the throat into the esophagus, which is close to the heart. This allows doctors to get clearer and more detailed images of the heart's structures and function. TEE is often used to diagnose heart problems, assess heart conditions, and guide treatment, especially when other imaging techniques are inconclusive.