How is a transthoracic echocardiogram performed?
The patient is positioned on an examination bed or table facing up and laying on the left side, undress from the waist up and covered with a gown and towel (for privacy). EKG electrodes are place on the arms and abdomen to monitor the heart rhythm. The technologist acquires images on videotape or other forms of electronic digital storage media following a standard protocol. This protocol is a set of rules or instructions the sonographers follows to collect not only the images or views, but also a predetermined set of measurements and calculations on a wide variety of intracardiac structures. The images and measurements will be reviewed by a cardiologist, who will dictate a report of the echocardiographic findings, along with possible recommendations for treatment options. This report will be sent to the appropriate primary care physician or specialist.
