Description

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is the examination of the internal
structure and functions of the heart by means of sound waves
(ultrasound). It is done by means of an instrument (transducer) that
transmits sound waves. By applying the transducer to different parts of
the chest wall, the walls and valves of the heart are examined in different
positions.

What are Echocardiography Methods?

Through the Esophagus (Transesophageal) (TEE) Echocardiography

Stress Echocardiography

Strain and Strain Rate Echocardiography I. SURFACE
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY How is Superficial Echocardiography Performed?

The patient is placed on the left side.

Gel is applied to the transducer and examination is made
from different parts of the chest wall.

X-rays are not used in this examination. The process is ultrasound technology.

Heart valves, cross-sections and movements of great
vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery) are displayed on the screen.

Typically, the review is completed in 15 minutes.

It is a painless procedure and has no side effects.

The results are evaluated by the doctor who performed the test. Why Is It Done?

To investigate the cause of heart sounds (murmurs, etc.),
heart enlargement, unexplained chest pains, shortness of breath or irregular
heartbeats heard through the stethoscope,

To measure the shape and size of the heart chambers,

To control the thickness and movements of the heart walls,

For a clear evaluation of heart valve structures and movements,

To evaluate the functions of the artificial valve,

In order to evaluate heart functions,

To detect diseases affecting the heart muscle (eg cardiomyopathies),

For the evaluation of clots and tumors in the heart,

In order to control congenital heart diseases or surgical interventions for this reason,

For the evaluation of cardiac functions after a heart attack,

In order to evaluate the amount and type of fluid in case
of fluid accumulation around the heart, and to evaluate the structure and
thickness of the pericardial membrane surrounding the heart,

For the purpose of evaluating the structure and diameter
of the main arteries (aorta, pulmonary artery) leaving the heart, II . TRANSESOPHAGEAL
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY What is Transesophageal Echocardiography
( TOE )? In some cases where the commonly used TTE method is
insufficient, echocardiography may be required through the esophagus. It
is an examination similar to gastroscopy.
may be required. It is an examination similar to gastroscopy.

Why and How?

This method is especially applied to evaluate the
strength and contractile functions of the heart muscle. Various regions of
the heart muscle are selected and the sizes and movements of these regions
during stress and rest are measured in different planes.

It is painless and has no side effects. No
preparation is required before the procedure. No contrast agent is
used. The procedure takes an average of 15-30 minutes.

The results are evaluated by the doctor who performed the
test and conveyed to the patient. After the procedure, the patient can
immediately stand up and continue his daily life.

In Which Situations?

The contraction force of the heart muscle in a patient
with heart failure can be calculated most accurately. In this way, the
cause of heart failure is detected much earlier than a normal eye can
distinguish, and the most appropriate treatment option is determined.

It provides a very sensitive measurement opportunity to
determine the damaged heart muscle mass in a patient who has had a heart attack
and to determine the extent of the damage.

It is one of the most important methods used in the
evaluation of cardiac muscle functions before the cardiac operation to be
applied to the patient.

It gives the opportunity to detect the inflammation of
the pericardium and to distinguish its types in the most reliable way.

It is a unique method for the immediate detection of
simultaneous malfunctions of the right and left halves of the heart, the
treatment to be applied and the effectiveness of this treatment.