A TOE provides high-resolution cardiac imaging from inside the oesophagus, offering superior views of the heart valves, left atrium, and aorta compared to a standard transthoracic echo.
Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) is not currently offered at Sonoworld. TOE is a semi-invasive procedure requiring sedation, a trained endoscopist, and specialist recovery facilities. We offer a comprehensive standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) at £350, which provides detailed cardiac assessment without sedation or invasive procedures. If you require a TOE, please speak with your cardiologist for a referral to a specialist cardiac centre.
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a semi-invasive cardiac ultrasound procedure in which a flexible probe is passed down the oesophagus (food pipe) to obtain high-resolution images of the heart from behind. Because the oesophagus lies directly behind the heart, the probe bypasses the chest wall and lungs, providing superior image quality — particularly for structures such as the mitral valve, left atrial appendage, aortic root, and interatrial septum.
TOE is typically performed under conscious sedation and requires a trained cardiologist or anaesthetist to administer the probe, monitor the patient, and manage any complications. It is performed in a clinical environment with full monitoring and recovery facilities.
A comprehensive resting transthoracic echo assessing heart valves, chambers, wall motion, ejection fraction, and Doppler flow. Suitable for most cardiac referrals and provides excellent valve assessment without sedation.
View & Book — £350Assessment of carotid artery stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque — relevant for patients with cardiovascular risk factors, AF, or TIA history.
View & Book — £235Combines echocardiogram, carotid Doppler, and aortic aneurysm screening in a single appointment — ideal for proactive cardiovascular health assessment.
View & Book — £595TOE is a semi-invasive procedure requiring conscious sedation, a trained operator to pass the probe, continuous patient monitoring, and a recovery area. Sonoworld is a diagnostic ultrasound clinic and does not have the clinical infrastructure to perform sedation-based procedures safely. We are committed to offering only services we can deliver to the highest clinical standard.
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) uses a probe placed on the chest wall and is entirely non-invasive. A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) passes a probe down the oesophagus to obtain images from behind the heart. TOE provides superior resolution for posterior cardiac structures (mitral valve, left atrial appendage, aorta) but requires sedation and carries a small risk of oesophageal injury. TTE is the first-line investigation for most cardiac referrals.
TOE is typically indicated for: detailed assessment of the mitral valve before surgery, detection of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation, evaluation of prosthetic valve function, assessment of infective endocarditis, and intraoperative cardiac monitoring. For most other cardiac indications, a standard TTE provides sufficient diagnostic information.
TOE is available at major NHS cardiac centres and private hospitals including the London Bridge Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, The Heart Hospital (UCLH), and St Bartholomew's Hospital. Your cardiologist can arrange a referral. If you have private health insurance, your insurer can direct you to an approved cardiac imaging centre.
A standard TTE can detect most significant cardiac conditions including valve disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, pericardial effusion, and congenital abnormalities. For conditions specifically requiring posterior cardiac views — such as left atrial appendage thrombus or detailed mitral valve anatomy before surgery — a TOE provides superior image quality. Your cardiologist will advise which investigation is most appropriate for your clinical situation.
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