Are There Different Types of Echocardiograms?
Echocardiograms offer a versatile way to examine your heart, but there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Doctors can choose between two main types depending on the specific information they need:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): This is the most common and non-invasive type. A sonographer uses a handheld probe placed on your chest to transmit sound waves through your chest wall. These waves bounce off your heart structures and create detailed images on a screen. TTE is a painless procedure that takes about 30-60 minutes.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): This type offers a closer look at your heart, particularly the back chambers and valves. A thin probe with a transducer is inserted through your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. Since it provides a clearer image by bypassing the ribcage, TEE is often used for complex diagnoses or when a TTE isn't conclusive. TEE requires sedation or anesthesia for comfort and to minimize gag reflex during probe insertion. The procedure itself is shorter, typically lasting 15-30 minutes.
