Is contrast needed for echocardiogram?

Echocardiogram with Contrast Your doctor may also want to use contrast with the echocardiogram. Contrast is used during an echocardiogram to see the flow of blood through the heart and the heart muscle better. Saline (sterile salt water) and Definity are contrast solutions which may be used.

When do you use contrast and Definity?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Activated DEFINITY® (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) Injectable Suspension is indicated for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms to opacify the left ventricular chamber and to improve the delineation of the left ventricular endocardial border.

How is contrast echo done?

This is an imaging test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of the heart while it is beating. During the test, a special dye (contrast agent) is injected into your vein to help show structures in the heart better. It allows the inside of the heart to be seen more clearly on the ultrasound pictures.

How long does a contrast echocardiogram take?

During the scan you will hear sounds coming from the machine, which represent blood flow through the heart. The echocardiogram will take up to approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Once the scan is complete you can get dressed and leave. There are no limitations as to what you can do after the scan.

What is an echocardiogram complete with contrast?

Contrast echocardiography is a type of echocardiogram, which is a cardiac ultrasound and can also be called an echo. By adding a contrast, a cardiac echo has better resolution. The additional, clearer resolution allows doctors to watch blood flow through the heart.

Is an echocardiogram with contrast safe?

The echocardiogram will be done while the contrast is being put in. Contrast studies are very safe. The contrast has been used for many years and in hundreds of thousands of patients with almost no serious effects.

Why is Contrast echocardiography useful?

In the clinical setting, contrast echocardiography has most commonly been used to improve image quality to enhance diagnostic performance and confidence.