**Esophageal echocardiography through the mouth** allows the doctor to examine the structure of the heart as well as its function....Esophageal echocardiography takes pictures of the inside of your esophagus....This procedure is done through a tube that goes from your mouth to your stomach and is just behind your heart....This means that the images are much clearer than a transthorac echo..Esophageal echocardiography we pay for oral.... Why is transesophageal echocardiography done through the mouth?... Transesophageal echocardiography can examine any of the structures in your heart... If you've already had tests... It can examine the condition of your heart... For example, this test can show: - Heart valve problems - The presence of a blood clot in the heart - Problems with the aorta (the main artery that carries blood away from your heart) - Areas of the heart affected by a heart attack - Infection in the heart (endocarditis) Preparation for oral echocardiography A transesophageal echocardiogram is usually done as an outpatient procedure at the hospital....that means you go home the same day you have the test....the hospital will give you information about how to prepare for the procedure....you will usually be asked not to eat or drink anything for about six hours before....follow any advice you are given....it is usually done under local anesthesia....this means that it may help you to Slow action length become.... also feel a little sleepy.... at this time it is necessary to have a companion to accompany you at home.... oral esophageal echocardiography method A transesophageal echocardiogram usually takes about 20-30 minutes.. A doctor or specialist will do this.... You will need to take off your clothes and put on a hospital gown.... The doctor will place electrocardiogram (ECG) tags on your chest so they can monitor your heart during the test.... You will have a fine tube (called a cannula) in your hand or a local vein in your arm.... The anesthetic in the back of your throat will numb it....then you will be asked to lie on your left side....they will put an ultrasound probe in your mouth and you will be asked to swallow so they can pass it down your esophagus....the test is not painful, but you may feel discomfort as the probe passes down the back of your throat....you can still breathe normally and these waves will come back all the time....becoming images from within You heart.... The images are displayed simultaneously on the monitor, so the scan shows your heart rate... Care after Oesophageal Echocardiography You will be monitored for a short while while you recover....if you have had sedation you will need to rest for the effects to wear off....this may take up to three hours and it will take some time for the local anesthesia to wear off and sensation to return to your mouth and throat....do not try to eat or drink anything until you can swallow it..home....you must have someone drive you home as it may take up to 24 hours to The effects of the painkillers wear off.... Once the results are received, your doctor will talk to you about what to do next.... He may recommend more tests.... If your esophageal echocardiogram shows a problem with your heart, they will discuss other treatment options.... To think clearly.... This should improve within 24 hours.... At the same time, do not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery, or make important decisions....