Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram or a sedated echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a very effective, non-invasive diagnostic ultrasound test that allows a pediatric cardiologist to look at the heart without using x-rays or surgery. With ultrasound, sound waves are directed through the chest wall via a transducer. The heart deflects sound waves and creates an image.
The transducer is placed on the chest, near the heart, and associated computerized equipment records the images produced by the sound waves to assess a variety of conditions:
- Presence of valve disease due to inability of valves to open or close completely, leakage through a valve when it is closed, and other structural abnormalities.
- Presence of congenital heart disease.
- Presence of a pericardial effusion, or fluid in the sac surrounding the heart.
- Overall heart function.
Preparing for an echocardiogram
No preparation is necessary. The procedure takes about one hour to complete. It is painless and involves no risks. If you or your child prefer to have a man or woman perform the test, please be sure to voice your preference when the test is scheduled or ordered.
Sedated echocardiogram
Some children, particularly babies and toddlers, cannot remain still and quiet long enough to obtain the quality of pictures required. To help these children, oral medicine is given to help them relax and sleep during the procedure. This is called a sedated echocardiogram. If your child is scheduled to have a sedated echocardiogram, you should be given instructions for the child to have nothing to eat for a number of hours prior to the test (between 2 and 6 hours). This is to keep the stomach empty in case the medication makes the child vomit. Once at the location of the test, a liquid medicine is given to the child to drink, and they are given time to fall asleep.
During the procedure
The room will be darkened to help the technician view the computer monitor. The child must remove his/her shirt. The technician will attach several electrodes to the child's chest to monitor an electrocardiogram. The child will have to lie still to collect good pictures. The child will be asked to move to different positions as a transducer or wand with lubricating fluid is moved around various places on the chest. This will help show different parts of the heart. A videotape of the exam is made, and a physician will look at the videotape to make a diagnosis of the heart problem or notice changes from a prior echocardiogram.
If the procedure is a sedated echocardiogram, the child will be monitored continuously by a nurse during the drug-induced sleep.
After the procedure
The child will be able to resume normal activities after the test.
If the procedure is a sedated echocardiogram, the child will be allowed to completely wake up and will be able to drink fluids prior to discharge. Special instructions will be given prior to discharge because many "post-sedation" children may act dizzy or have trouble with balance for several hours after waking up.
Your Inova Physician will explain the findings of the test and any recommendations for follow-up care.
