TEE & minimally invasive valve surgery

  I am a 43 year old female. I was diagnosed with aortic insufficiency in 1986. Up until now the insufficiency has been mild. My last echo revealed "moderate to severe" insufficiency. My Dr. has ordered a TEE. I"ve read a bit on the procedure but have a few questions that were not covered. #1 Is the scope admitted into the esophagus with relative ease? I am concerned about the comfort/difficulty of the procedure. #2 Does the amount of sedative given allow you to "not remember" the procedure afterward? #3 I've read the length of time for the procedure can be anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. That's quite a difference. Can you elaborate?
  Now re: the minimally invasive valve surgery...What might be some of the reasons a person would not be a candidate for this particular type of surgery? eg. the degree of insufficiency?  Age?  other health issues.
  I appreciate any information you are able to give. thank you for your attention.
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Dear Leesa:
A spray is used to provide local anesthesia to the back of the throat.  Therefore, most people find that entering the esophagus is not too difficult.  Generally, a type of intravenous sedative agent is used that causes some degree of amnesia, so you may not remember details of the examination as it is performed.  The length of the procedure depends on how detailed an examination is necessary.  Your cardiologist will be trying to answer specific questions, so different angle views will be necessary.  If certain angles don