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Echocardiogram Technology

An echocardiogram is an exam performed by a technician called a sonographer. It uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. It may also be known as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or a Doppler ultrasound of the heart.

  1. The Exam

    • An echocardiogram is able to create a moving image of the heart. A transducer emits sound waves through the chest to the heart, which bounce back to the machine to be recorded as images while a Doppler probe records the motion of the blood. This allows the doctor to see the structures around the heart and monitor how well the heart beats.

    Uses

    • Since an echocardiogram can monitor blood flow, it can be used to diagnose and monitor heart murmurs and the pumping function of weak or damaged hearts. Since it creates an image of the heart, it can assess abnormal valves, damage after heart attacks, infections and the sources of blood clots or emboli. It can also be used to diagnose congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension.

    Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE)

    • If a standard echocardiogram produces an unclear picture because of obesity, lung disease or a barrel chest, a transesophageal echocardiogram can be used. This type of exam involves inserting an ultrasonic device down the esophagus to obtain an image of the heart.

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