Cardiac ultrasound equipment uses sound waves to penetrate the interior of the body for medical evaluation. By analyzing the reflection patterns of ultrasonic wavelengths, this equipment, also called echocardiogram, is capable of detailing interior structures even in motion. This noninvasive procedure is superior to traditional x-ray techniques because ultrasonic signals are not harmful to the body and produce no side effects. Echocardiogram equipment is employed to evaluate cardiac anatomy, pathology, and function. Several procedures exist: these include the transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophogeal echocardiogram (TEE), stress echocardiogram, and the intravascular ultrasound.
As a complex and vital organ, the heart has a multitude of structural and functional characteristics to indicate health, the effects of medical procedures, and the adjustment of dosages. Typical cardiac ultrasound equipment can provide real-time imaging of blood velocity and cardiac tissue. This helps localize any communication problems between the left and right sides of the heart. Cardiac ultrasound can also detect valvular regurgitation, or leakage of blood through the valves.
It may also assist in calculating cardiac output and dimensions. Flow volume can be estimated by measuring the diameter of the aortic annulus. This procedure, when done correctly, provides accurate measurements; however, a two-dimensional echocardiogram can often introduce significant error into these and similar calculations and must be performed skillfully. The equipment employed by cardiac ultrasound is actually identical to that used in abdominal or prenatal sonograms. In the case of an echocardiogram, however, a doctor might examine the heart structures to evaluate function and spot any problems occurring due to defects; these can include murmurs, as when a heart valve does not close properly, or damage from heart attack.
Usually a doctor may use an echocardiogram to assess general heart condition. This also permits medical observation for any presence of disease. The procedure may assist ongoing evaluations of health progress over time or after a surgery or medication.
The transthoracic echocardiogram is the standard process of laying a transducer atop the chest for a basic evaluation. A transesophogeal echocardiogram inserts a transducer down the esophagus in order to obtain readings with less interference from the lungs and chest. Stress echocardiogram testing is applied while the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary cycle in order to assess the elevated pumping action of the heart. A dobutamine or adenosine/sestamibi stress echocardiogram does the same, but with drugs. Intravascular ultrasound uses a catheter inserted through the groin to find indications of atherosclerosis, or blockage within the blood vessels leading all the way to the heart.
A three-dimensional echocardiogram can display a static or moving picture of the heart function. This may be overlaid with color to help differentiate the various structures of the heart. The tool provides physicians and other medical professionals a vivid representation of heart systems functioning together in order to evaluate heart health and localize any problem areas.
In contrast, abdominal ultrasound analyzes conditions of internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and stomach. A cardiac ultrasound concentrates on the heart's aorta, four valves, and chambers, and the performance of its electrical conduction system. The high-frequency sound waves of sonography can deliver various types of imaging; these might include adaptive color Doppler, two- or three-dimensional imaging with multiplanar views, and pulsed or continuous-wave Doppler. These capabilities permit the equipment a wide range of medical assessments requiring numerous fields of specialty for proper evaluation.
Often, the results of a cardiac ultrasound may be reviewed between the technician and a cardiologist. Results may indicate a pathology or non-pathologic condition in order to determine proper treatments. This procedure may also be used on animals in veterinary contexts.