Echocardiography & Vascular Ultrasound: Two Dimensional Echocardiogram with Doppler, Transesophageal Echocardiography, Dobutamine Echocardiography, Carotid Doppler, Peripheral Vascular Doppler Ultrasound

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	Echocardiography & Vascular Ultrasound

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.

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