An echocardiogram is an imaging procedure used the visualize the heart using ultrasound.  With this procedure, the heart can be seen in two-dimensional or three-dimensional view to assess structure, blood flow, valve abnormalities, defects, and cardiac output.  There are two types of echocardiography: Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) and Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).  

Indications:

• Heart murmur evaluation - aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation
• Abnormal EKG findings with concern
• Determine structural abnormalities
• Assess cardiomyopathy - dilated, restrictive, HOCM
• Assess endocarditis
• Assess ejection fraction
• Assess congenital heart defects, including Tetralogy of Fallot, ASD, VSD, PDA
• Assess congestive heart failure
• Assess blood flow through heart

Transthoracic Echocardiogram:

This is the standard echocardiogram that is used frequently to get a generic picture of the heart.  To do this procedure, a probe (echocardiographic transducer) is placed on the chest wall from the outside and images are taken by moving the probe around to see different angles of the heart on a video monitor.    It is completely non-invasive.  A physician can quickly get an idea of the structure, valves, and flow through the heart.  

Transesophageal Echocardiogram:

A TEE is used to take clearer pictures of the heart in cases where are questions with the TTE.  In this procedure, the probe is placed into the esophagus while the patient is sedated.  This method allows the probe to be closer to the heart without any other structures (ribs, lungs, muscle) to interfere with the ultrasound.  The aorta, valves, pulmonary artery are better visualized with a TEE.