Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a special form of cardiac ultrasound. In this examination, an endoscope with a built-in transducer is inserted into the esophagus. The close proximity of the oesophagus to the heart allows the anatomy of the heart to be accurately assessed if it cannot be adequately visualized by the normal cardiac ultrasound. Of course, children are given medication to help them sleep or a short anesthetic during this examination, so they need not be afraid of it.
