Transthoracic echocardiogram

Cardiac ultrasound, or echocardiogram, is an examination that allows the evaluation of the heart’s anatomy and function using ultrasound.

Just like pregnant women

It is an examination of the same nature as the one used to see the baby in pregnant women. In this case, it is the heart that we will see.

The lungs and the bones hide the heart during an ultrasound

The heart is a solid organ located within the thorax, surrounded by air (the lungs) and bone (the ribs). These latter structures do not allow the transmission of ultrasound waves, making the examination more complex. Therefore, a limited number of anatomical windows are used, which are specific locations on the chest where the probe can be applied to visualize the heart without the interference of the lungs and bones.

Two methods

There are two ways to perform a cardiac ultrasound.

Transthoracic

In one method, the cardiac ultrasound probe is placed on the chest, and the ultrasound waves pass through the thorax. This is known as transthoracic echocardiography.

Transesophageal

In the transesophageal technique, the probe is placed in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This way, the masking effect of the lungs and bones is avoided. Similar to a gastroscopy, the probe is “swallowed” under sedation, of course.

Transthoracic echocardiogram

Make an appointment

An appointment must be scheduled for this examination.

Simple exam, no preparation needed

For a transthoracic echocardiogram, there is no special preparation required before the examination, which lasts about 30 minutes. Therefore, it is not necessary to fast, and you can take your medications as usual.

Upon your arrival

Upon your arrival, you will be asked to remove all clothing from your chest and wear a hospital gown. The examination room is dimly lit because it is easier to visualize the images in low light.

The examination is performed by a medical imaging technologist or a cardiologist, and the results will be sent to your treating physician.

The technologist will place three electrodes, which are small electrical sensors, on your chest to record the electrical activity of your heart.

You will lie down and turn onto your left side. The technologist or cardiologist will be positioned either to your left or right. A gel will be applied to your chest to facilitate better transmission of the ultrasound waves through the skin.

Four places to place the probes

The images are recorded from four different “windows” or locations on the chest: left parasternal (between the third and fourth ribs), apical (below the left breast), subcostal (under the sternum), and suprasternal (at the base of the neck).

Lots of measurements

Several measurements of the heart are taken to evaluate the dimensions of the heart, the contraction of the cardiac muscle, the four valves, and the major vessels entering and leaving the heart.

You can see the valves

Is there a valve that doesn’t open as well? Is there a leak? Normally, a valve is tight when it closes. We do not see the coronary arteriesThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that, as they are too small.

Limitation

We do not see the coronary arteriesThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that, as they are too small.

What does it look like:

-The 4 chambers of the heart

-A view above the mitral valve

-A view above the aortic valve

Without danger and usually painless

Transthoracic echocardiography is safe and painless. In some individuals, pain may be felt due to the pressure of the probe applied between the ribs.

Important informations

It provides a wealth of information that will help your doctor make certain diagnoses or monitor your condition. Once the examination is complete, you will be given a small towel to remove the gel from your chest. You can then leave.