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 "TEE Transducer References" on page
263.)
• Minimize the possibility of transducer tip fold-over. This problem has
occurred rarely, but its consequences can be serious. See "Tip Fold-Over"
on page 251.
• 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.
• Minimize the possibility of pressure necrosis (tissue death). Do not let the
distal tip displace any one segment of tissue for more than 5 consecutive
minutes. Also make sure the deflection area and the distal tip are in the
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Transesophageal Transducers
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