Echocardiography, transesophageal

A diagnostic test which is done through the esophagus and which employs ultrasound waves to make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures.</P> Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may be used, for example, in the treatment of children having heart surgery.

TEE has unusually accurate imaging capabilities that permit the identification of previously unidentified anatomic features and postoperative surgical results that may necessitate a change in surgical plan or surgical revision before the child leaves the operating suite.