CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) procedure
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- 99% of patients recommend our cardiac care to friends and family
- Private transoesophageal echocardiogram tests and scans
- Help to treat conditions such as angina and other heart issues
- Expert TOE echocardiogram procedures available across our UK hospital network
PRIVATE TRANSOESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we’re rated number one in the UK for private cardiovascular care, meaning you’ll be in the best hands for a private transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE).
We successfully treat over 36,000 patients a year, and you’ll have access to over 235 expert cardiologists, supported by sonologists, clinical nurses, and other healthcare specialists. They’ll be part of your personal team for your transoesophageal echocardiogram procedure, using the most up-to-date technology and facilities to deliver tailored care at every stage of your TOE heart imaging scan.
Our skill and experience are part of why 99% of our patients are happy to recommend us to their family and friends, and we’re dedicated to providing you with first-class cardiac care.
We successfully treat over 36,000 patients a year, and you’ll have access to over 235 expert cardiologists, supported by sonologists, clinical nurses, and other healthcare specialists. They’ll be part of your personal team for your transoesophageal echocardiogram procedure, using the most up-to-date technology and facilities to deliver tailored care at every stage of your TOE heart imaging scan.
Our skill and experience are part of why 99% of our patients are happy to recommend us to their family and friends, and we’re dedicated to providing you with first-class cardiac care.
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a specialised heart imaging scan. It uses ultrasound to produced detailed images of your heart which move in real time. Unlike other types of echocardiograms, a TOE takes images from inside your gullet (oesophagus), which makes the images more detailed, and helps your cardiovascular consultant make a more accurate diagnosis.
You might need a transoesophageal echocardiogram if you’ve had other tests that suggest a need for more detailed imaging of your heart, or if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Feeling extremely weak or tired
- Headaches and migraines
- Heart palpitations (fluttering or pounding feelings in your chest or neck)
- Light-headedness and fainting
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your feet, legs or belly
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you’re worried about your heart in any way, please seek medical help as soon as possible.
Your consultant might recommend a transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) procedure for several reasons, including to:
- Get more detailed imaging of your heart than a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) can provide, or as a follow-up if you’ve already had a TTE
- Reveal if have unusual heart anatomy, or you have lung conditions that would make a TTE difficult or less effective
- Investigate any life-threatening heart problems such as sudden low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Check for clots before you have a procedure such as catheter ablation or cardioversion for heart rhythm problems (cardiac arrhythmias)
- Evaluate your heart during cardiac surgery or to confirm that your procedure has been successful
We can confirm your appointment for a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) procedure within 24 hours. Your cardiac consultant will recommend a TOE scan and any other tests needed to give you a clear cardiac diagnosis.
You can undergo the diagnostic procedures on the same day as your appointment, and your results will be available within two working days.
Innovative treatments
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State-of-the-art facilities
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Rapid access
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Our transoesophageal echocardiogram locations
Experienced cardiac consultants and care teams are ready and waiting to perform your transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) procedure at our modern, comfortable facilities in London and Birmingham. You’ll be in expert hands.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
YOUR TRANSOESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM TEST WITH HCA UK
What to expect
We understand that tests can be stressful, and your consultant and cardiac care team will make sure you feel safe, comfortable at every stage. You’ll be able to ask questions at any time, and we’ll always keep you fully informed.
The specifics of your transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) test and your results will be personal to you, and your consultant will discuss them in detail, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect from the process:
The specifics of your transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) test and your results will be personal to you, and your consultant will discuss them in detail, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect from the process:
01
Referral and booking
The first stage it to get a referral for your TOE test. You can be referred by your own GP, or by one of our GPs here at HCA UK. It’s also possible to refer yourself directly, by calling our cardiac referral line on 020 7616 4988. We’ll begin arranging your TOE test as soon as it’s convenient.
02
Preparing
A TOE test is a common, safe procedure, and your consultant will talk you through it, explaining exactly what’s going to happen. You can discuss your symptoms, any previous tests or treatments you’ve had, and they’ll answer all your questions.
You’ll be given detailed advice about how to prepare, including what to wear, when to stop eating and drinking beforehand, and whether you need to stop any medications beforehand.
You’ll be given detailed advice about how to prepare, including what to wear, when to stop eating and drinking beforehand, and whether you need to stop any medications beforehand.
03
The test itself
Before the TOE test, you may be given sedatives to reduce any discomfort in your mouth and throat, and medication to dry them out. Some patients also have a local anaesthetic, but your consultant will talk you through your needs beforehand. During your heart imaging test, an ultrasound sensor is passed through your mouth and throat into your gullet (oesophagus). It emits ultrasonic waves that echo or reflect off your heart's structures.
Those reflected waves create moving, real-time images of your heart on a computer. They help your cardiac consultant diagnose any problems with your heart function, structure or valves.
Those reflected waves create moving, real-time images of your heart on a computer. They help your cardiac consultant diagnose any problems with your heart function, structure or valves.
04
Recovery
As soon as your TOE test is over, your cardiac team will move you to a comfortable recovery area, and nurses will monitor your vital signs. As soon as you’re stable, you’ll be able to get dressed.
You should be able to go home that day, but you’ll need someone to travel home with you, because your anaesthetic or sedatives mean you can’t drive for 24 hours after your test.
You should be able to go home that day, but you’ll need someone to travel home with you, because your anaesthetic or sedatives mean you can’t drive for 24 hours after your test.
05
Aftercare and results
It’s important to get plenty of rest in the first few days after your TOE test. Your consultant will get in touch to arrange a follow-up appointment where they can discuss your results and any further treatment you might need.
They’ll also give you detailed, tailored advice about when you can get back to your everyday routine, including your usual medication, exercise, travel, diet and alcohol consumption.
They’ll also give you detailed, tailored advice about when you can get back to your everyday routine, including your usual medication, exercise, travel, diet and alcohol consumption.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Private transoesophageal echocardiogram test FAQ
During a transoesophageal echocardiogram, an ultrasound sensor is passed into your gullet (oesophagus) through your mouth and throat. The sensor emits ultrasonic waves that pass through soft tissues to reach your heart, where they echo or reflect off the heart's different structures. The sensor picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer, which displays moving, real-time images of your heart.
This helps your cardiologist to accurately diagnose any problems with your heart function, structure or valves. It can also help them to evaluate your heart during cardiac surgery and confirm that your procedure has been successful.
This helps your cardiologist to accurately diagnose any problems with your heart function, structure or valves. It can also help them to evaluate your heart during cardiac surgery and confirm that your procedure has been successful.
The most common type of echocardiogram is called a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), where an ultrasound sensor is placed on the surface of your chest. The sensor’s ultrasonic waves have to travel through your skin, muscle, bone and soft tissues before they reach your heart.
By contrast, a TOE’s ultrasound probe works from inside your body, because it’s inserted into your gullet via your mouth and throat. Your gullet is behind your heart, so the ultrasound waves only need to travel through soft tissues to reach it. That means a TOE can produce clearer images and help your consultant to get a more detailed picture of your heart.
By contrast, a TOE’s ultrasound probe works from inside your body, because it’s inserted into your gullet via your mouth and throat. Your gullet is behind your heart, so the ultrasound waves only need to travel through soft tissues to reach it. That means a TOE can produce clearer images and help your consultant to get a more detailed picture of your heart.
A TOE test can help your cardiologist diagnose signs and symptoms of a range of heart conditions, including:
- Aortic aneurysm, which is a bulge in one of your arteries or veins
- Atherosclerosis, where fatty materials in your bloodstream clog your arteries
- Blood clots, which often happen because of atrial fibrillation
- Cardiac tumours, potentially cancerous growths in your heart structures
- Cardiomyopathy, where your heart walls thicken
- Congenital heart disease, a term that covers a wide range of heart problems you can be born with
- Endocarditis, which is a rare bacterial infection of your heart's inner lining
- Heart failure, when your heart can no longer pump blood efficiently around your body
- Heart valve disease, including conditions that prevent the doors to your heart chambers from working correctly, such as aortic regurgitation
- Pericarditis, which affects the fluid-filled sac covering the outside of your heart
If you’re concerned about your heart or experiencing any concerning symptoms, please see a GP or get in touch with our cardiac referral team on 020 7616 4988.
Your consultant will usually recommend a transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) procedure to get a more detailed imaging of your heart than a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) can provide, or as a follow-up if you’ve already had a TTE.
The ultrasound waves that are emitted during your transoesophageal echocardiogram procedure are harmless, and they don’t pose any exposure risks, unlike X-rays. The main risks of a TOE can result from the thin tube being inserted into your gullet through your mouth and throat.
It’s possible you’ll experience a sore throat after the procedure, lasting from a few hours to as much as a few days.
Other risks are rare but could include:
- Voice weakness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Breathing problems
- Injury to the teeth, mouth, throat or oesophagus
- Heart rhythm problems
Every patient is different, and a TOE test can help your consultant diagnose a wide range of heart issues, so your personal medical history will affect your risk level. Your consultant will examine you carefully before recommending a TOE scan or any other medical procedure, and they’ll explain all the risks involved in detail.
You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort from the probe being inserted into your throat, but you’ll be sedated before this happens, which should help. Your clinical team will be with you throughout, and they’ll help to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Yes, you’ll be awake during your TOE scan. You’ll be sedated before the procedure begins, which means you’ll be awake but relaxed as it takes place, with your consultant and their team alongside throughout to keep you safe.
This heart imaging scan gives your consultant detailed moving images of your heart that can provide information than standard echocardiography. It’s particularly helpful for assessing your heart valves, identifying blood clots or investigating symptoms that have proved difficult to explain. Your consultant might recommend it as part of a wider range of heart diagnostics tests.
The procedure usually takes around 20–40 minutes. Your team will make sure you’ll fully informed, well prepared and given all the time you need to recover afterwards.
It’s usually a good idea to stop eating and drinking a short time before having any procedure that requires sedation. Your consultant and team will give you specific advice before your own TOE scan.
Most people can have a TOE scan without any problems. If you have a condition that makes swallowing difficult, or affects the anatomy of your throat, that can mean it’s not the right procedure for you. If you’re in any doubt, get in touch with one of our cardiac specialists and we can help.
Your doctor or consultant might recommend a TOE scan if they’re concerned about how well your heart valves are functioning, or to look for evidence of a blood clot. This heart imaging scan can also help evaluate any potential infection, or to plan any heart surgery you have coming up, so it might be just one of a number of heart diagnostics tests you need.
Yes, there are. A TOE is just one of a range of heart diagnostics tests available from our team of cardiac specialists here at HCA UK. Alternative tests might include transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), a cardiac MRI or a cardiac CT scan. Your consultant will recommend the right procedure for you, depending on your condition and the level of imaging detail they need to assess your heart. You can usually book an appointment with a specialist within 24 hours.
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) and a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) are both ultrasound tests used to evaluate the heart's structure and function. The main difference relates to the positioning of the imaging probe: a TTE scans externally through the chest, while a TOE makes use of a specialised probe guided down the oesophagus. This gives your specialist cardiology team a much closer, unobstructed view of your heart’s structures.
The cost of a private transoesophageal echocardiogram test will depend on your condition and diagnosis. Transparency matters to us at HCA UK, which is why we always offer clear pricing for self-pay patients.
You can find more details in the ‘Accessing private healthcare’ section of this page. Alternatively, refer to our guide to paying for private medical healthcare, or get in touch for a personalised quote.
You can find more details in the ‘Accessing private healthcare’ section of this page. Alternatively, refer to our guide to paying for private medical healthcare, or get in touch for a personalised quote.
Our patients' stories
A simple heart screening revealed Mahmoud’s tumour
At 55, Mahmoud had never felt fitter. The orthodontist from northwest London enjoyed daily exercise classes and a range of sports. It was only when a relative was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease that his wife suggested he arrange a routine heart health check-up.
"Time is of the essence with my heart, as I have diabetes"
Saleem, 57, keeps an active lifestyle to remain fit and healthy. He plays badminton once a week and goes for a walk in the morning and evening every day. Despite having type 2 diabetes, he continues to have a balanced and energetic life.
David’s story: Recognising the need for urgent acute care
David is an energetic, friendly, 78 year old man with a smile that lights up a room. You’d never guess he’s managing two ongoing heart conditions – aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation – and has recently recovered from acute pulmonary oedema, a condition that required a 10-day hospital stay.
“I wanted to get to the bottom of my heart health and if it meant taking further tests, then I was more than happy if I could get the results immediately.”