Overview
A trans-oesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a specialized ultrasound scan of the heart performed by inserting a probe into the oesophagus (food pipe). Because the oesophagus lies directly behind the heart, TOE provides clearer and more detailed images than a standard echocardiogram done on the chest wall (transthoracic echo).
In Korea, TOE is widely available at major hospitals and cardiac centers, supported by advanced imaging technology and highly trained cardiologists. It plays a vital role in diagnosing structural heart conditions, blood clots, infections, and guiding certain cardiac surgeries or procedures.
What is a TOE?
A TOE uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create moving pictures of the heart and its blood vessels.
TOE may be recommended for patients with:
- ✦ Suspected heart valve problems
- ➤ Congenital heart defects
- ✦ Suspected blood clots inside the heart chambers
- ➤ Endocarditis (infection of heart valves)
- ✦ Unexplained stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
- ➤ Planning for cardiac surgery or procedures (such as valve replacement, atrial fibrillation ablation)
What are the Benefits?
TOE offers several important advantages:
✅ Produces clearer images than transthoracic echo
➤ Detects blood clots, tumors, and infections in the heart
✅ Helps guide surgical or catheter-based procedures
➤ Provides crucial information before heart valve surgery
✅ Assists in stroke prevention strategies
➤ In Korea, TOE is performed with advanced digital imaging and real-time monitoring
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for a TOE?
- ✦ Fasting: usually no food or drink for 6 hours before the test
- ➤ Medication review: continue or adjust medicines as advised by the doctor
- ✦ Remove dentures or oral appliances before the procedure
- ➤ Arrange for someone to escort you home if sedation is used
- ✦ Inform the doctor if you have oesophageal conditions (strictures, hiatal hernia, swallowing problems)
2) What happens during the TOE procedure?
- ✦ A mild sedative is given through an IV to help you relax
- ➤ The throat is numbed with a local anaesthetic spray
- ✦ A flexible probe (endoscope with ultrasound transducer) is gently passed down the oesophagus
- ➤ Ultrasound images of the heart are captured in real time
- ✦ The test usually lasts 20–40 minutes
- ➤ Heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen are monitored throughout
In Korea, TOE is frequently used in operating rooms or catheterization labs to guide complex cardiac procedures.
3) What happens after TOE?
- ✦ You’ll be monitored until sedation wears off (usually 1–2 hours)
- ➤ You should not eat or drink until your gag reflex returns
- ✦ Mild sore throat is common for a day or two
- ➤ Results are usually available within the same day
- ✦ If TOE was done before surgery, the surgical team uses the findings immediately
Risks / Benefits
Possible Risks:
- ✦ Sore throat or hoarseness
- ➤ Reaction to sedative medications
- ✦ Minor bleeding or injury to the oesophagus
- ➤ Very rarely, oesophageal tear or breathing difficulties
Benefits:
- ✅ High-quality imaging of the heart
- ✅ Detects blood clots, infections, tumors missed on standard echo
- ✅ Improves accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning
- ✅ Essential for surgical and interventional cardiology guidance
- ✅ In Korea, advanced sedation protocols and monitoring minimize risks
Recovery and Outlook
Most patients recover quickly after a TOE.
- ✦ You can usually go home the same day
- ➤ Avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours if sedated
- ✦ Normal activities may resume the next day
- ➤ Outlook depends on underlying heart condition identified by TOE
- ✦ In Korea, TOE findings are integrated into comprehensive treatment planning for heart disease, ensuring timely interventions
When To Call the Doctor
Seek immediate medical advice if you experience:
⚠ Persistent chest pain
⚠ Difficulty swallowing
⚠ Severe sore throat or vomiting blood
⚠ Shortness of breath or dizziness
Best Korea Option / Process
Korea offers world-class cardiology services, making it a leading destination for TOE:
- ✦ Advanced 3D and real-time TOE imaging systems
- ➤ Performed by specialized cardiologists and anaesthetists
- ✦ Available in both routine outpatient and emergency settings
- ➤ Widely used to guide open-heart and minimally invasive surgeries
- ✦ Integrated with stroke prevention and heart valve treatment programs
- ➤ International patient support with English-speaking staff
Highlights of Trans-oesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) in Korea
- ✅ Safe, accurate, and widely available imaging test
- ➤ Provides clearer heart images than standard echocardiogram
- ✅ Helps diagnose valve disease, clots, infections, and stroke risks
- ➤ Essential for surgical and catheter-based heart procedures
- ✅ Korea offers advanced TOE with excellent safety and comfort
