What is transthoracic echocardiography?
Echocardiography (or echocardiogram) is a method by which the heart and blood flow through the valves are studied using ultrasound
Unlike the radiation used in radiology, ultrasound is harmless, so no precautions are necessary and the test can be performed on any patient countless times (even in pregnant women).
What is transthoracic echocardiography used for?
Transthoracic echocardiography provides detailed information on the size and function of the heart and valve apparatus.
Who can perform transthoracic echocardiography?
There are no particular contraindications to echocardiography: anyone can undergo the test.
How does transthoracic echocardiography work?
The patient must lie bare-chested on the sonographer’s couch, who will place electrodes on his chest.
Next, the sonographer will spread a special gel on the patient’s chest and on the transducer, a probe which, when placed on the chest, emits ultrasound which, reflected and processed by the equipment, makes it possible to visualise the heart and its structures.
The probe is moved over the chest with gentle pressure.
The patient may be asked to remain still or breathe deeply.
At the end of the test, the electrodes will be removed and all that remains is to wipe off the gel left on the chest. The total duration of the test is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Is transthoracic echocardiography a painful or dangerous test?
Transthoracic echocardiography is neither invasive nor painful and allows you to resume your normal routine immediately after the test.
Even when it involves the use of contrast agents, these are non-ionising substances that are harmless to health.
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