Hypnosis for Transesophageal Echocardiography

TEE is a widely used diagnostic test in cardiovascular medicine. However, the test may be a source of discomfort to the patient. Patient intolerance of the echocardiography probe limits the duration of the procedure and therefore its diagnostic success. Current strategies to reduce patient discomfort involve global anesthesia, which carries its own side effects and risks of adverse events. Hypnosis may reduce patient discomfort without impairing alertness. The main goal of this study is to determine the additive value of hypnosis to improve patient comfort during TEE.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient with indication for a Transesophageal Echo (TEE)
• Patient competent to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Patient not subscribed to French Social Security System
• Patient non-French speaking
• Age < 18 years
• Follow-up not possible
• patient declared non competent to give informed consent for the study
• History of severe personality disorder
• Patient with a psychiatric treatment started 30 days before the exam
• Patient pregnant or breast-feeding
• Emergency TEE
• Other indication for general anesthesia