Table 2.

Absolute and relative contraindications to perform transoesophageal echocardiography [modified from (18)].

Absolute contraindications	Relative contraindications
Recent esophageal/gastric surgery	History of radiation to neck and mediastinum
Esophageal obstruction (stricture, tumor)	History of GI surgery
Esophageal perforation, laceration	Recent upper GI bleed
Esophageal diverticulum	Barrett's esophagus
Active upper GI bleed	History of dysphagia
Perforated viscus	Restriction of neck mobility (severe cervical arthritis, atlantoaxial joint disease)
	Symptomatic hiatal hernia
	Esophageal varices
	Coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia
	Active esophagitis
	Active peptic ulcer disease

GI, gastro-intestinal.