Introduction
Echocardiography and vascular
ultrasound are two noninvasive procedures used in cardiology to assess heart
and blood vessel disorders.
Both procedures use ultrasound
technology, which although technically complex, is a painless procedure
involving no radiation exposure.
Description of the Procedures
Two Dimensional Echocardiogram
with Doppler
This test involves a technician
placing an ultrasound probe on various positions of the chest. It provides
information about heart muscle function, valves and pressures in the heart
for your doctor. It takes approximately one hour and is painless.
Transesophageal Echocardiography
This study involves the passage of
a probe mounted with ultrasound crystals down the swallowing tube. It
provides more echocardiographic information about the heart. You are given
sedation for the procedure and cannot drive for 24 hours after the test. It
takes about one hour.
You should have nothing to eat or
drink for six hours prior to the test. This will allow your doctor to
determine better the function of your heart muscle and its valves.
Dobutamine Echocardiography
This is an echocardiographic test
that helps determine the presence or absence of coronary artery disease in
the heart. An intravenous medication (Dobutamine) is infused while
echocardiographic images are taken. The medicine increases the heart rate
which allows your doctor to assess heart muscle function. The test takes 1-1
« hours. You should have nothing to eat or drink two hours before the test.
Carotid Doppler
This test involves the technician
placing an ultrasound probe over the great vessels of the head and neck. It
provides information on whether there is a narrowing in the carotid or
basilar arteries which supply blood to the brain. Narrowing of these
arteries can be a common cause of stroke. It usually takes 30-45 minutes and
is painless.
Peripheral Vascular Doppler
Ultrasound
This study involves the assessment
of the arteries and veins of either the arms, legs or kidneys. It provides
information about the presence of narrowing in these arteries (common causes
of pain in the legs when walking). This test takes bout 30-45 minutes. |