Echocardiography, also referred to as cardiac ultrasound, is a test that uses high frequency sound waves to generate images of the heart. Echocardiography can help in the diagnosis of many heart problems including cardiovascular disease, previous heart attacks, valve disorders, weakened heart muscle, holes between heart chambers and fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).
In transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), the ultrasound transducer is guided through the mouth, down the throat and into the oesophagus. This allows very clear images of the heart to be obtained without the ribs or lungs getting in the way.