TOEs are usually requested to assess:

• Valvular heart disease
• Strokes or TIAs
• Endocarditis
• Dissections

A Transoesophageal echo also known as a TOE is required when more detailed images of your heart are needed.  You may already have had an echocardiogram (ultrasound) of your heart.

You will be asked to undress to the waist. The nurse looking after you will put a small needle into the back of your hand through which we can give you some light sedation to help you relax.

Local anaesthetic will be sprayed onto the back of your throat and when the throat is numb a special transducer (probe) is inserted into your oesophagus so that more detailed views of the valves and structures of the heart can be obtained. This test is performed by a Cardiologist.

The test takes about 15 minutes but you need to remain with us for another hour after the test. You will not be able to eat or drink for another hour or until the effects of the throat numbing medication has worn off.

You will need someone to drive you home. If you don’t have someone to drive you home your appointment will be rescheduled.