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Special Considerations for TEE Studies
Preparing Patients for TEE Studies
These suggestions for pre-study patient preparation do not constitute an exhaustive list of all
possible factors to explore before performing transesophageal echocardiography, nor do they
imply medical protocols. Instead, they reflect basic guidelines resulting from extensive
consultation with physicians throughout the design, development, and clinical investigation
periods of Philips TEE transducers.
• Besides gathering routine background information such as current medication and allergies,
investigate any history of chronic obstructive lung disease, esophageal strictures, varices, or
bleeding.
• Thoroughly explain the procedure to the patient before the study.
• Inform the patient not to eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the study.
• Advise the patient that he or she should not plan to drive after the study, because sedatives
are often used.
• Follow institutional guidelines for obtaining patient consent for a transesophageal
echocardiography (TEE) study.
• Be sure that a recent ECG, CBC, and SMA6 are available as a baselines.
TEE Study Guidelines
During a TEE study, an assistant can provide oral and pharyngeal suctioning of the patient and
can monitor the patient's blood pressure and general responses. For unexpected occurrences,
an emergency cart with basic life-support equipment should be ready. Throughout the study, it
is important to carefully monitor the patient's reactions and to ensure that ventilation and vital
signs are stable.
In the operating room, do not use TEE transducers during surgical procedures requiring
extreme neck flexion, such as sitting craniotomies. The following are important guidelines for
TEE studies. (See
• Minimize the possibility of transducer tip fold-over. This problem has occurred rarely, but
its consequences can be serious. See
• Maintain a patent airway. For surgical patients, endotracheal intubation establishes a
stable, patent airway before insertion of the transducer. For patients who are awake,
carefully monitor the patient's breathing at all times.
EPIQ 7 User Manual 4535 617 25341
"TEE Transducer References" on page
238.)
"Tip Fold-Over" on page
Transesophageal Transducers
226.
225
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