Project Description

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It involves using high frequency sound waves to produce images. It allows the cardiologist to obtain diagnostic information about the structure and function of your heart, and detect any abnormalities that may be present. The test looks at the heart muscle, chambers,  valves, and blood flow through the heart.

What to Expect

When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to remove everything from the waist up, change into an examination gown, and lie down on your left side. The technologist will apply gel and move an imaging transducer around your chest. You may feel some pressure, and be asked to adjust your position as needed. You may hear the sound of your heart beating. The exam takes approximately 25-30 minutes.

For additional information please visit, FAQs or test preparation instructions.  We also have more information on general ultrasounds and vascular ultrasound / abi and ultrasounds.

Types of Ultrasounds

Echocardiogram-MMI
0 Ultrasounds Per Year
MMI

Contrast Echocardiography

SonoVue (sulfur hexafluoride) is indicated for use with ultrasound imaging to enhance the echogenicity of the blood, which results in an improved signal-to noise ratio. SonoVue should only be used in patients where examination without contrast enhancement is inconclusive.

Indications:

  • Suboptimal exam where 2 or more segments of the heart in an apical view are not well seen
  • To improve endocardial border delineation
  • To assist in the detection and correct classification of intracardiac masses (tumors, thrombi)
  • To confirm or exclude the echocardiographic diagnosis of the following LV structural abnormalities, when non-contrast images are suboptimal:
    a. Apical variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
    b. LV noncompaction
    c. Apical thrombus
    d. Complications of myocardial infarction: LV aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and myocardial rupture
    e. Apical wall motion abnormalities (akinesis/dyskinesis)

Contraindications:

  • Known allergy to echocardiographic contrast, or its components
  • Known right to left cardiac shunts (bubbles can bypass filtering by the lung and directly enter the arterial circulation)
  • Patients with known severe pulmonary hypertension (Pulmonary artery > 90 mmHg), uncontrolled systemic hypertension, adult respiratory distress syndrome
  • Patients taking dobutamine with conditions suggesting cardiovascular instability
  • Refer to Bracco product monograph for updated contraindications
  • There is no evidence that contrast crosses the placenta, however, SonoVue should not be used routinely in pregnancy patients

Our Services

Requisition Form

Physicians: This requisition form can be taken to any licensed facility providing healthcare services including hospitals and IHFs. Please click the button below to download an editable .pdf copy of our requisition and send it with your clients before their appointment.

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