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Echocardiography (sometimes called an
echo or an echocardiogram) is a type of ultrasound test that uses
high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. The sound
waves are sent through a device called a transducer and are reflected
off the various structures of the heart. These echoes are converted into
pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video monitor.
An echocardiogram is used to evaluate how well your heart chambers fill
with blood and pump it to the rest of the body. Echocardiography can
also be used to estimate the amount of blood pumped out of your left
ventricle with each heartbeat. An echo also helps evaluate heart size
and heart valve function.
It can help identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart, areas of
heart muscle that are not contracting normally, previous injury to the
heart muscle caused by impaired blood flow, or evidence of heart
failure, especially in people with chest pain or a possible heart
attack. In addition, echocardiography can identify a pericardial
effusion and certain congenital heart defects.
Trans esophageal echo (TEE) is a special type of test in which the
instrument that emits sound waves (transducer) is passed down the
esophagus instead of being moved over the outside of the chest wall. TEE
shows clearer pictures of your heart, because the transducer is located
closer to the heart and because the lungs and bones of the chest wall do
not interfere with the sound waves produced by the transducer. This test
requires a sedative and anesthetic applied to the throat to ease
discomfort.
When you were referred by your physician for a
radiological exam, you may have been told about certain instructions to
be done prior to the exam, or when you were scheduling your appointment,
the scheduler should have informed you about the preparations that
should be done prior to your exam. If you did not or if you want a
recheck, you can refer to the information listed below.
Keep in
mind that you may have been given some additional or different
instructions, based on your own particular circumstances. If you have
any questions, please call
our hotline 16171 or (202) 3336-3310
(Mohandeseen),
(202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or (202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a
radiologist if you have any questions. It is best to call between 10
a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.
Instructions
You do not
need any special preparation for Transthoracic echocardiography
If your are scheduled to have a transoesphageal echo, do not eat or
drink for at least 6 hours before the test. Before TEE, you will be
given a sedative.
Medications can be taken prior to the exam.
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The
procedure takes from 30 to 60 minutes.
You will
need to lie on your back or on your left side on a bed or table.
Small metal discs (electrodes) will be taped to your arms and legs
to record your heart rate during the test. Then a small amount of
gel will be rubbed on the left side of your chest to help improve
the transmission of the sound waves.
A small
instrument (transducer) that looks like a microphone is pressed
firmly against your chest and moved slowly back and forth. This
instrument transmits sound waves into the chest and picks up the
echoes as they reflect off various structures in the heart. The
echoes are transmitted to a video monitor that shows pictures of
your heart, which are recorded for later viewing and evaluation. The
room is usually darkened to improve the visibility of the video
monitor.
At times you will be asked to hold very still, breathe in and
out very slowly, hold your breath, or lie on your left side. The
transducer is usually moved to specific locations on your chest wall
to provide specific views of your heart.
After the test is completed, the gel is wiped off your chest and
the electrodes are removed.
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Transoesphageal echocardiography
Including preparation and recovery time, the entire test takes about
2 hours.
Your
throat may be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gargle, or lozenge to
relax your gag reflex and to ease insertion of the endoscope.
Shortly
before the procedure begins, an IV line will be placed in a vein in
your arm. A medication (called an anticholinergic) may be given
through the IV to decrease saliva and stomach secretions. A pain
medication and sedative will be given to you through the IV in your
arm during the procedure. You should feel relaxed and drowsy but
still alert enough to cooperate.
Your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure (vital
signs) will be monitored throughout the procedure. Also, a small
device attached to your finger or earlobe (called a pulse oximeter)
may be used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.
You will be asked to lie on your left side with your head tilted
slightly forward. A mouth guard may be inserted to protect your
teeth from the endoscope. Then the lubricated tip of the endoscope
will be guided into your mouth while your doctor gently presses your
tongue out of the way. You may be asked to swallow to help move the
tube along. It may be helpful to remember that the instrument is no
thicker than many foods you swallow. Once the endoscope is in the
esophagus, it will be advanced gently to the level of your upper
right heart chamber (atrium) and ultrasound images will be taken.
You will not feel or hear the sound waves during the test.
During the procedure, try not to swallow unless requested. An
assistant may remove the saliva from your mouth with a suction
device, or you can just let the saliva drain from the side of your
mouth. A transesophageal echo is generally painless, though you may
feel nauseated and uncomfortable while the transducer is in your
esophagus.
The endoscope will be in your esophagus for about 10 to 20
minutes.
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After
Transoesphageal echocardiography, you will not be able to drive (due to
the sedative intake) for at least 12 hours after the procedure. Be sure
to make arrangements in advance for someone to pick you up after the
test.
After the test, you may resume all normal activities. Your physician
will discuss the results of your ultrasound examination with you.
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Please call our hotline 16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen),
(202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or (202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a
radiologist if you have any questions. It is best to call between 10
a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday through Thursday. |
