For Transoesophageal Echocardiogram

In this procedure the ultrasound probe is passed into the oesophagus, the tube between the mouth and the stomach, to obtain very clear pictures of the major heart structures, valves and aorta.  The procedure commonly lasts from 10 to 15 minutes and is similar to a test called a gastroscopy, in the way that it is done.  The transoesophageal echocardiogram uses a probe attached to a long, flexible tube about 8-9mm in diameter which connects to the ultrasound machine.

The TOE probe, when placed in the food pipe,
can capture high quality pictures of the heart.

Procedure

A patient needs to be fasted for a minimum of four hours from food and fluid and the procedure is generally done as a day patient in a hospital setting.  Local anaesthetic spray numbs the tongue and throat and light anaesthetic sedation is administered to make the patient more comfortable.

The risks of serious complications of this procedure are very low and equate to the risks of having a light anaesthetic. Patients who should not have this procedure include patients who have had previous oesophageal or stomach surgery, including gastric banding.

Major reasons for transoesophageal echocardiogram

The ultrasound images from the oesophagus are much clearer and some valve abnormalities and congenital heart abnormalities, such as holes in the heart, are much better seen with this technology.  It is commonly requested when looking for infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) and potential sources of strokes.  It is reasonably commonly used in patients in an intensive care setting where transthoracic echocardiography provides poor images.