2D Echo
Intricate
Cardiac Imaging
With 2D Echo
A
two-dimensional echocardiogram or 2D echo is a diagnostic and imaging test that
leverages ultrasound waves to screen and assess the functioning of the heart.
It is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that allows visualisation of the
functioning and structures of the heart in real-time. Through high-frequency
ultrasound waves, it provides detailed images of the chambers, valves, walls,
and blood flow pattern of the heart. 2D echo is often used as a critical tool
in cardiology to screen and diagnose heart conditions, assess heart function,
and determine the need for medical intervention and treatment approaches. It is
often deployed to diagnose conditions such as valve abnormalities, congenital
heart defects, and wall motion abnormalities.
Overview of the Key Aspects of 2D Echo Scan:
Types of 2D Echo:
There are two
types of 2D echo scans commonly performed; Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
and Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE). Transthoracic echocardiography is
the most commonly performed 2D echo scan wherein a transducer is placed on the
chest wall and images are obtained from the chest wall. In transesophageal
echocardiography, a specialised transducer is passed through the oesophagus to
obtain images from behind the heart. The images produced this way are much
clearer and are often used for comprehensive and in-depth analysis.
Procedure:
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During the procedure, the
patient is made to lie down on the stretcher and a gel is applied to the chest.
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The transducer is then placed
on the chest and moved around the chest area where the gel is applied to
generate images of the heart on the screen.
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This transducer emits
ultrasound waves and receives echoes from the heart which can then be converted
into images that can be studied further.
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Electrodes may be placed on the
patients chest to monitor the electrical activity of the heart during the
imaging procedure.
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Patients may be asked to hold
their breath for some time to create more clear images.
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The images are then displayed
on the monitor in real-time and can be interpreted by the radiologists and
healthcare professionals later.
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In some cases, the technician
may record some videos of the heart for analysis.
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Once the procedure, which takes
about 20-30 minutes, is done, the technician will wipe off the excess gel from
the chest with the use of tissues or a cleaning towel.
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The healthcare professionals
may interpret the images later and recommend further tests or analysis based on
the results of the 2D scan.
Benefits:
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Considered as generally safe,
low-risk, and non-invasive procedure
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Does not use ionising radiation
and has no potential risk of radiation-related exposure
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Can be performed on patients of
all ages from young children, elderly to pregnant women
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Provides crucial insights into
heart health without the need for invasive diagnostic procedures
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Provides real-time imaging and
visuality of the heart’s function and structure
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Can be performed as an
outpatient, in-patient, and bedside procedure
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Can be used to guide
cardiovascular surgical procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of the
ongoing treatment
Patients may be advised to wear loose and comfortable clothing before undergoing 2D echo scan. In case any medications are being taken, patients need to inform their healthcare providers so that they can determine if the dosage needs to be reduced, modified, or stopped before the scan. Staying hydrated is recommended as it can improve the quality of images being generated. In case of allergies, pregnancy, diabetes, or kidney-related issues, patients are advised to inform their healthcare providers to avoid complications and ensure a smooth, successful imaging experience.
