The Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) is a specialised cardiac ultrasound that is used to assess the heart’s beating structure and function. In this procedure, a transducer is passed through the mouth and into the oesophagus, which lies behind the heart. This imaging process is called an echocardiogram. The advantage of the TOE is that it provides clearer images, especially of organs such as the heart that are difficult to view transthoracically (through the chest wall). The machine also has a very high sensitivity for locating blood clots inside the left atrium.
“Our patients and our team will greatly benefit from another 3D transoesophageal echocardiogram for cardiothoracics. Margaret Cunningham bought us the first 3D TOE four years ago, which transformed our practice from both an anaesthetic and surgical perspective. We are so grateful to now have the support of the JW & M Cunningham Foundation to purchase this additional machine.”
Michelle Moyle, Director of Anaesthetics, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
