Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)

A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a type of ultrasound test that takes images of your heart and heart valves.

During a TOE, the ultrasound probe is passed down your throat into the stomach. This is different to a standard echo, where the probe remains outside the body.

Your doctor may request a TOE to provide additional information about the structure and function of the heart and heart valves from an internal view.

Before your appointment

You’ll receive instructions about your medications and preparation for this procedure. If you have questions, contact the clinic a few days before.

Don’t eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test. The exact time will be given in your instructions.

Make plans for someone to drive you home.

Tell the person doing the test if you’re pregnant.

What happens?

The test will be done at a hospital or in a clinic.

A clinician will talk to you about the benefits and risks of having this test and ask you to sign a consent form. This is a good time to ask any questions.

You’ll be asked to remove clothing and you’ll be given a gown. Sticky pads (electrodes) will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate and rhythm.

An IV (intravenous) line will be put into a vein in your arm to give you sedation medication to help you relax.

Local anaesthetic will be sprayed into the back of your mouth. A flexible tube with a camera (the ultrasound probe) will be passed down your throat to record images of your heart.

The procedure usually takes 30 minutes.

After the tube is removed, your recovery will be monitored for up to two hours. Most people can go home the same day.

After the test

You’ll need someone to drive you home.

You won’t get the results on the day. The information will be reviewed and sent to the doctor who ordered the test.

Key things to remember