A TEE is the most invasive variety. The patient will receive a throat-numbing spray, lozenge, or liquid and an IV medication to reduce saliva and stomach secretions. The IV may also have pain medicine or a sedative to relax the patient. Breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart rate will all be monitored during the test. The patient will lie on his left side and the doctor may ask him to swallow as the probe enters the mouth and is guided down the esophagus. Though this procedure can make the patient feel nauseous or uncomfortable, it is not painful. The test takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete, but patients spend an hour or more recovering in the examination room afterward.

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