It is a test that uses ultrasound waves to obtain three-dimensional images, allowing one to observe more clearly and precisely different characteristics of the heart’s anatomy, such as its shape, strength, size, and movements.
Regularly, the use of 3D cardiac ultrasound is performed after conditions such as heart failure, infective endocarditis, pericarditis, and congenital heart diseases or tumors are suspected. In other cases, it could also help evaluate surgery success.
Prior to the procedure:
Your ABC doctor will analyze your medical history and answer all your questions regarding the procedure and may even request a period of fasting before the test. Also remember the following:
- Tell your doctor if you have an infection and/or if you are taking any medication.
- Before the cardiac ultrasound, your doctor will likely order additional blood and laboratory tests.
- You will likely be asked to remove any dentures.
As a standard measure, before starting the procedure, a special gel will be applied to your chest, this will help slide a device called a transducer that will allow you to obtain detailed images of your heart.
Depending on the type of cardiac ultrasound, it may be necessary to sedate you during the procedure require the use of an oral probe, and even administer saline solution.
When the procedure is complete:
A cardiac ultrasound usually lasts 20 minutes maximum, and at the end of this procedure, you will likely be transferred to a room to monitor your vital signs so you can have a quick recovery.
- This test is often outpatient, although in some cases it may require a short hospital stay.
- After a cardiac ultrasound, you could experience fatigue or some minor discomfort, especially if you had a transesophageal cardiac ultrasound.
If you need to follow any specific care your ABC doctor will inform you and guide you according to the results obtained.
At the Cardiovascular Center, we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.
Related centers and departments
Fuentes:
- Fundación española del corazón
- msdmanuals.com
- clinicamayo.org
- medigraphic.org
- Belohlavek M, Foley DA, Gerber TC: Three-and four-dimensional cardiovascular ultrasound imaging: A new era for echocardiography. Mayo Clin Proc 1993; 68: 221-240.
- Lang R, Bierig M, Devereux R, Flachskampf F, Foster E, Pellikka PA et al. Recommendations for Chamber Quantification: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiographys Guidelines and Standards Committee and the Chamber Quantification Writing Group, Developed in Conjunction with the European Association of Echocardiography, a Branch of the European Society of Cardiology. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2005; 18 (12): 1440-1463.
- Lang R, Badano L, Tsang W, Adams D, Agricola E, Buck T et al. EAE/ASE Recommendations for Image Acquisition and Display Using Three-Dimensional Echocardiography. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2012; 13 (1): 1-46.
- Roa CVH, Jiménez TN, Espinola ZNG. Cuantificación de volúmenes y función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo mediante ecocardiografía tridimensional en tiempo real. Nuevas técnicas utilizadas en el Centro Médico ABC. An Med Asoc Med Hosp ABC. 2013;58(2):121-126.
