The procedure

The transoesophageal echocardiogram will be carried out with you lying on your left side.

Before the procedure starts you will have a clip placed on the end of your finger. This clip will monitor the oxygen level in your blood and your pulse. You will also be given oxygen, through a plastic tube into your nose, throughout the procedure. And your heart will be monitored throughout the procedure using an ‘echocardiograph’ machine. Immediately before the procedure starts, you will have to put in a mouth guard to protect your teeth from the equipment.

A local anaesthetic spray will numb the back of your throat. A sedative (a drug to relax you) is given through the needle in the back of your hand. Although you do not have a general anaesthetic, you may find that you do not remember the procedure once it is over.

The probe will be inserted into your throat. You will then be asked to swallow so the probe will pass down your oesophagus. Once the probe is in the oesophagus, your doctor will look at parts of your heart (chambers and valves) on the video screen of the echocardiograph machine.

The procedure itself takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

After the procedure the probe is removed and you will be asked to stay on your side. The nurse with you at the time will take your pulse and check the oxygen level in your blood.

When you return to the ward, the nurse will check your blood pressure and pulse. Your tongue and throat may feel sore. You will not be able to eat or drink for one hour or until you can swallow and cough effectively.

Your doctor may be able to discuss the results of the test with you before you go home. It is important to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home. You will need someone at home with you for the first 24 hours after you leave hospital. You must not drive or use machinery for 24 hours.