An echocardiogram is a non invasive test to study the structure of your heart and how it is working using sound waves to produce images of your heart.

> Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

> Transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

Echocardiography, often called an ‘echo’, uses sound waves to produce an image of your heart. Your heart muscle, valves, large blood vessels and blood flow can be assessed in great detail.

Echocardiography can also provide information about the pressures within the chambers of the heart and lungs.

What should I expect?

An echocardiogram may take up to 45 minutes to perform. You should not feel pain or discomfort during the test. It does not involve radiation or X-rays. You do not need to specifically prepare for an echocardiogram. 

Before the test, you will be asked to undress from the waist up (ie. shirt, singlet or bra may need to be removed) and females will be wearing a gown. During the test, you will lie on an examination bed and small metal disks called electrodes will be placed on your chest so that we can monitor your heart rhythm during the test.

To image the heart, the technician or cardiologist will put a thick gel on your chest and then move a transducer over your chest to send and receive inaudible sound waves. You will also be asked to briefly hold your breath during the test. 

Results 

All images are reviewed by A/Prof Gautam Vaddadi who is trained in echocardiography and a report will be sent to your referring GP or Specialist usually within 72 hours.

Why do your echo at Melbourne Cardiology Group?

These procedures a firstly done by a very senior echo technician and reported by A/Prof Gautam Vaddadi who is specifically trained in echocardiography. A/Prof Vaddadi has years of experience and will quickly recognise any significant abnormalities and will call your referring GP or Specialist to facilitate prompt treatment.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)

A transesophageal echocardiogram can provide more-detailed images of the heart structure especially useful when it's difficult to get a clear picture of your heart with a standard echocardiogram.

The procedure is performed under sedation in the hospital setting. Your throat will be anaesthatised (numbed), and you'll be given medications to help you relax. 

A flexible tube containing a transducer is guided down your throat and into the food pipe / swallowing tube connecting your mouth to your stomach (oesophagus). The transducer records the sound wave echoes from your heart. 

The echo machine converts the echoes into detailed moving images of your heart, which your cardiologist can view on a monitor.