A transesophageal echocardiogram is done by inserting a probe with a transducer down the esophagus. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves. When the transducer is placed at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bounce or "echo" off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer displays the echoes as images of the heart walls and valves.
Please call William Bee Ririe Rural Health Clinic at 775-289-4040 for an appointment with Nancy Plaskett, Registered Dietitian.