The Health Services Authority (HSA) has successfully implemented a cutting-edge medical imaging procedure aimed at improving the precision of cardiac evaluations by providing superior and more detailed images of the heart. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is designed to reveal minute pathologies often overlooked by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), the traditional heart ultrasound, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses, and greater relief to patients. 

This was the case for one of the first patients to undergo TEE at HSA, 78-year-old Galdie Facey, who had a prosthetic heart valve that was determined to be leaking on clinical examination using the traditional echocardiography. However, the precise amount of leaking could not be ascertained resulting in a recommendation for a TEE. 

Unlike conventional echocardiography, TEE involves the insertion of a specialized probe into the oesophagus, positioning it near the heart. This slightly invasive procedure employs a small ultrasound transducer within the TEE probe, emitting sound waves and capturing echoes reflected from the heart. These echoes are then transformed into highly detailed images, offering a closer look at the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood vessels.

Through the TEE Dr. Brian Noronha, a cardiologist at HSA, was able to establish the precise quantity of leaking and the location of the leak. Mr. Facey expressed his initial unfamiliarity with the procedure. “I had never heard about the procedure before, but the staff at HSA made me feel at ease. They explained the process in detail, and after the procedure, Dr. Noronha showed me electronic images of the findings. This immediate feedback was comforting and put my mind at ease right away,” he shared.

Dr Noronha is committed to providing advanced cardiac care services to the community. He has performed over 500 successful TEE procedures throughout his career at various hospitals in the UK, including Medway Maritime Hospital and Warrington Hospital. Since introducing TEE at the HSA, he has already performed 5 procedures. He emphasised the importance of TEE in cases where traditional echocardiography may be challenging or insufficient.

“Transesophageal echocardiography is a remarkable advancement in cardiac imaging, allowing us to obtain clearer and more precise information about the heart. It is particularly beneficial in assessing heart valve function, identifying blood clots, and evaluating overall heart function in conditions such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, aneurysm, endocarditis, congenital heart disease and assessment of idiopathic stroke,” explained Dr. Noronha.

Individuals with a referral requiring cardiology services may request an appointment with one of the HSA’s expert cardiologists at 949-8600 or online at www.hsa.ky.