Function and Types of Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that produces live images of the heart. It uses sound waves to generate images that allow doctors to monitor how well the heart is functioning. It’s used to diagnose certain cardiac conditions and has several other purposes too.

How does Echocardiogram Work?

An echocardiogram is performed with an instrument called a transducer. The transducer is a device that emits and records high frequency sound waves (ultrasound waves). When the transducer emits sound waves, they move through the skin and tissue, until they reach the heart. Ultrasound waves bounce off the heart, and the echoes are picked up by the transducer.

The transducer is connected to a computer and monitor. The computer uses the sound wave data to create images of the heart, that can then be viewed on the monitor.

Purposes of an Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram can be performed for several different reasons. They include:

• Check for structural heart problems such as abnormalities of the chambers or valves of the heart.
• If someone has symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, an echocardiogram is performed to find out if heart problems are causing them.
• During pregnancy, a foetal echocardiogram can be performed to detect congenital heart defects.

Types of Echocardiogram

The type of echocardiogram performed in any given situation depends on the purpose of the test. In most cases a standard transthoracic echocardiogram is performed but sometimes another kind of test is more appropriate.

Transthoracic echocardiogram

In this kind of echocardiogram the transducer is placed on your chest, over your heart. Sometimes, the patient’s lungs or ribs may block sound waves from reaching the heart correctly. If this happens, an ultrasound enhancing agent is used to help make the echocardiogram images clearly. The enhancing agent is injected through an intravenous line.

Transoesophageal echocardiogram

In some cases, it might be difficult to get clear ultrasound images using a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. When this happens a transoesophageal echocardiogram might be performed. Another reason why it might be used is if the doctor wants higher-quality images than can be obtained from a transthoracic echocardiogram.

In the transoesophageal procedure, the patient’s throat is numbed. They are also given medication to help them relax. Once the patient is relaxed and ready a flexible tube is passed down the throat into the oesophagus. The transducer at the end of the tube works as normal to emit sound waves and then record the echoes. This method produces clearer images because the transducer is closer to the heart. There is less tissue between the heart and transducer, and the shorter distance also means sound waves can be picked up more accurately.