Invasive Diagnostic Procedures

Echocardiogram

Also known as a cardiac ultrasound exam. An echo procedure uses ultrasonic sound waves that move through the body tissue to the heart. The sound waves form images of the inside of the heart showing its valves, chambers, and movement. Echo also uses a technique called color doppler to view blood flow and blood flow velocity through the heart. This procedure may be ordered to evaluate heart-related signs and/or symptoms. It is performed in the Echo Laboratory.

Specialty Echocardiograms

Stress Echo – This is an echocardiogram that is performed in conjunction with a stress test.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram – This is an invasive procedure where the probe, or transducer, is placed down the patient’s esophagus in order to view more difficult to obtain images of the heart. Because patients are given a mild sedative for this test, they may not drive the remainder of the day after it is completed.

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