Trans-oesophageal Echocardiogram(TOE)
Trans-oesophageal Echocardiogram
A Trans-oesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) uses inaudible sound waves to produce moving and high quality images of the heart. It provides a detailed view of the heart’s valves and chambers without interference from the ribs or lungs – unlike a standard echocardiogram which is performed from outside the chest.
In a TOE, a flexible tube with a small ultrasound probe at its tip is passed through the mouth and down the oesophagus (the food pipe). Because the oesophagus is close to the heart, this allows the ultrasound to capture clearer and more detailed images. The probe sends sound waves to the heart, and these are translated into images, enabling your cardiologist to evaluate the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow. This procedure is often used to detect heart conditions such as valve disorders, infections, clots, or congenital heart defects.
Preparing for your visit
The procedure will take place at a Hospital in a dedicated procedure room. You will be given a check in time and have consultation with the surgical team before the procedure.
This procedure is typically completed within 40 minutes however we recommend speaking to your specialist about hospital preparation and recovery time.
- You will be asked not to eat or drink for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Upon arrival, you’ll change into a hospital gown, and a nurse will review your medical history and check your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.).
- You will be connected to monitors that track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure.
- A light sedative will be given through an IV to help you relax.
- A local anaesthetic spray or gel will be applied to numb your throat, reducing any discomfort during the insertion of the probe.
- In some cases, a mouthguard may be placed to protect your teeth and the probe.
- Once your throat is numb and you’re comfortably sedated, the cardiologist will gently insert a thin, flexible probe through your mouth and down into your oesophagus.
- The cardiologist will carefully adjust the probe to capture detailed views of your heart for 10 to 30 minutes
- Once sufficient images have been captured, the probe is gently withdrawn from your oesophagus
- Please note that you may feel a slight sore throat for a few hours.
A light sedative is usually administered to help you relax during the procedure. Local anaesthesia is applied to the throat to minimise discomfort. Full general anaesthesia is typically not required unless the procedure is combined with another surgery.
