bubble echocardiogram

A bubble echocardiogram is a procedure which is designed to give a doctor an idea of how well someone's heart is functioning. This medical test may be ordered for a patient who appears to be experiencing problems related to the physical function of the heart, such as leaky valves or an oversized heart. Very few risks are associated with a bubble echocardiogram, and the procedure is virtually painless. A patient's doctor or cardiologist will usually discuss the procedure and its possible outcomes with a patient before the bubble echocardiogram is performed. In a traditional echocardiogram, the patient's heart is ultrasounded to create a picture of the heart, allowing medical professionals to assess the condition of the heart without the need for invasive surgery. The test is typically performed by an ultrasound technician, who may record the procedure or print out specific images which may be of interest to a physician. In a bubble echocardiogram, the echocardiogram is performed, and then a bubble of saline is injected into a vein in the arm. As the saline moves through the heart, the ultrasound technician follows it. The saline makes certain heart functions more visible, highlighting problems in the left ventricle, the major pumping area of the heart, along with issues with the valves. The saline ultimately dissipates harmlessly into the blood, and is eventually expressed by the body along with other waste materials. Sumber : http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-bubble-echocardiogram.htm