Estimated reading time: 3 minute
Table of Contents
What is echocardiography?
Echocardiography is the examination of the heart with the help of ultrasound. Today, it is a standard method widely used in the diagnosis of heart diseases. During this procedure, the movements of the heart are observed graphically from the outside, through the chest wall.
Positioning the patient on a special table with an opening in the chest area for the transducer to be placed improves imaging quality.
How does echocardiography work?
Echocardiography, a converter The piezoelectric quartz crystals in this transducer perform the following functions:
1. Emitting sound waves: The crystals produce sound waves when stimulated with high-frequency electrical voltage.
2. Detecting reflected sound waves: The parts of the transmitted sound waves reflected from the tissues and organs are recorded again by the transducer.
These reflected waves are processed with the help of an amplifier and converted into an image on the screen. Detailed analysis can be done using different imaging methods.
What are the methods used in echocardiography?
Various methods are used to evaluate the structure, functions and blood flow of the heart during echocardiography. These methods have been developed to improve the quality of imaging and better evaluate different pathologies.
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): Routine checks are preferred for ventricular and valve evaluations.
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): It is preferred in cases where more detailed examination is required, especially when more information about the atria and heart valves is required.
1. 2D Viewing (B-mode):
It displays the real-time structure and movements of the heart on a two-dimensional plane. The size of the heart chambers, wall thickness and movements of the heart valves can be evaluated with this method.
2. 3D Imaging (3D Echocardiography):
It provides a more detailed examination by imaging the structure of the heart in three dimensions. It is especially used for the geometric evaluation of heart valve diseases and ventricles. 3D echocardiography is preferred to clearly reveal the structural features of the heart before surgical or interventional treatment.
3. M-Mode:
It shows the moving structures of the heart (e.g. wall movements) in a single plane over time. It is especially used in measuring ventricular wall thickness and left ventricular functions.
4. Doppler Method:
It measures the speed and direction of blood flow. It is used to detect conditions such as leakage (regurgitation) or narrowing (stenosis) in the valves.
5. Color Doppler:
Visualizes blood flow with a color map. Provides information about the direction and speed of blood flow. Is sensitive in identifying abnormalities such as leaks or narrowing.
6. Tissue Doppler:
It measures the movement speed and function of heart muscle tissue. It is especially important in the evaluation of diastolic dysfunction.
7. Speckle Tracking Strain:
Analyzes the contractility and deformation of the heart. It is used to detect which areas of the heart muscle are moving less than normal or are affected.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
“There are those who think that science has great beauty,m.”
Marie Curie
