TOE

[leader777]

Hi again can anyone tell me what is TOE????Best wishes Hazel

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Hazel

It's a transesophageal echocardiogram, effectively an echocardiogram performed via the throat while you are under sedation or GA, and I understand it gives a better picture of the heart than a more standard echocardiogram through the chest (transthoracic echocardiogram)

I have never had one, but it's fairly often performed immediately before you have an ablation.

I am sure others will tell you more

Be well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer]

Trans oesophegeal echocardiogram uses an ultra sound device slid down your throat to take pictures of the back of your heart. Usually done under sedation or GA it is often used to check for any clots which may be in the heart prior to cardioversion or ablation. Had two and no big deal.

Bob

[Alil]

I had one at Easter without sedation although I was told there would be right up to the last moment! Very uncomfortable, lots of coughing, though not painful but fine as soon as the tube came out.

Alison

[andria67]

Hi, I have it done twice. Had a spray put to the back of my throat, kinda numbs the area then the tube is inserted. I was laying on my left side and the best advice is just to relax. It has to be done, to check for clots back of the heart. If all clear, ablation could go ahead. It's soon over with and although a little uncomfortable, it's worth it.

[nigelfarruca]

My TOE found my 25mm hole between my atriums which did not show on any other echo.

[Loo53]

Insisted I had mine under GA.

[porridgequeen]

It is a short procedure, usually around ten minutes and does seem to vary from hospital to hospital. The back of the throat is numbed with a spray to reduce discomfort -- you may also have sedation to relax in which case won't feel anything, you may be lucky and also have a sedative that wipes it all from the memory so you won't feel or remember a thing! They have that one at Guy's in London.

Don't worry whatever you have it is soon over.

Good luck