What is the normal echocardiographic patient position?

Proper positioning for the echocardiographic examination. The transducer is placed over the apical window, and the patient is tilted in the left lateral decubitus position.

Where is a TTE performed?

During a TTE, you will lie on your back or on your left side on a bed or table. Small metal discs (electrodes) will be taped to your arms and legs to record your heart rate during the test. A small amount of gel will be rubbed on the left side of your chest to help pick up the sound waves.

What is the correct location of the index marker on the ultrasound screen when doing transthoracic echocardiogram?

Position of the transducer: The transducer is placed on the apex of the heart, just below the breast tissue. The index marker is pointed towards the left armpit (Figure 11). This view should visualize all four chambers, the mitral valve, and the tricuspid valve (Figure 12).

What is the difference between TTE and TEE?

Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains the cornerstone of diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable complementary tool.

Why do I need a transthoracic echocardiogram?

Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram to: Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart. Check if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. Detect congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiogram)

What does a TTE diagnose?

A TTE is a procedure used to check for problems with your heart. It will also show any problems in the blood vessels near your heart. Sound waves are sent through a handheld device placed on your chest. The sound waves show the structure and function of your heart through pictures on a monitor.

Are you sedated for a TTE?

These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiograph monitor. Blood pressure cuffs and a pulse oximeter will also be attached to your body. A local anesthetic will be used to numb your throat. An IV will be given for sedation.

Why do I need a transesophageal echocardiogram?

A TEE is done when your doctor needs a closer look at your heart or does not get the information needed from a regular echo. You may need a combination of a TEE, Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to get information about how blood flows across your heart’s valves.

Are you awake during TEE?

When you wake up after your procedure, you’ll be in the recovery room. Your nurse will continue to monitor your heart, breathing, and blood pressure. Once you’re fully awake, your nurse will remove your IV.

What is the position of the transducer on an echocardiogram?

Figure 2 illustrates the position of the transducer, the orientation of the index marker and the scanning plane through the heart. Figure 2. PLAX, Parasternal Long Axis View.

Where can I find the transducer position menu?

The transducer position menu allows the user to view the anatomical landmarks and the transducer positions for left parasternal, apical, subcostal, suprasternal and right parasternal image acquisition.

Where is the index marker on a transthoracic echocardiogram?

Position of the transducer: Same location as PLAX view, but the index marker is pointed towards the patient’s left shoulder (i.e rotated 90 degrees clockwise from PLAX). Optimal image quality: typically at the end-expiration.

How to do a basic transthoracic echocardiogram?

Each animated loop shows a finder image in the upper left that depicts the transducer position, an illustration of the sectional anatomy of the heart on the left, and the echo image with labels on the right. Loading…