Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE/TEE)

Category: Heart Tests & Procedures · All heart tests & procedures

What it is

A transoesophageal echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart done with a probe passed gently down the food pipe (oesophagus), which sits directly behind the heart and gives very detailed pictures.

Why it is done

It is used when standard echo pictures are not clear enough — for example to look closely at heart valves, look for clots or infection inside the heart, or guide certain heart procedures.

How to prepare

You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand. Tell the team about swallowing problems, oesophageal disease, allergies and dentures. Arrange for someone to take you home if you will have sedation.

What happens during the procedure

Your throat is numbed with a spray and you are usually given sedation through a vein. The thin probe is passed as you swallow, and pictures are taken for about 10 to 20 minutes. You are monitored throughout, and most people remember little of it afterwards.

Afterwards — recovery & results

You will recover in a monitored area until the sedation wears off and your throat numbness settles; you should not eat or drink until swallowing is back to normal. You should not drive for 24 hours after sedation.

Risks & considerations

Risks include a sore throat, reactions to sedation, and rarely injury to the oesophagus. The team checks your history carefully beforehand, and the probe is passed gently with monitoring throughout.

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Frequently asked questions

Will I be asleep?

Most people have conscious sedation — relaxed and drowsy rather than fully asleep — plus throat numbing spray. Some centres use a general anaesthetic for longer procedures.

Why can't the normal chest echo see this?

Lung and ribs can block the view from the chest. From the oesophagus there is nothing in the way, so valve and clot detail is much clearer.

Related procedures — Heart Tests & Procedures

Angioplasty and stent (PCI)Cardiac ablation (catheter ablation)Cardiac catheterisation — right heart cath Cardiac event recorder / patch monitor Cardioversion (DC shock treatment)Coronary angiogram (cardiac catheterisation)

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Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.