Echocardiolgraphy Services

Echocardiography (often called echo or cardiac ultrasound) allows doctors to look at the detailed structure of the heart, including the chambers, valves, veins, and arteries, as we as the heart function.

The echocardiography laboratory at Cohen Children’s Medical Center is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) for pediatric and fetal echocardiography, which ensures a high-level of training and imaging standards. The sonographers, who perform the studies, have specialized training for children and fetuses. All studies are reviewed in detail by one of the six pediatric cardiologists, who specialize in pediatric and/or fetal echocardiography.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Most children who are suspected of having heart disease will have a transthoracic echocardiogram. This test requires using a small probe, or hand-held device, with some gel to be placed on the child's chest to look at the heart from many different angles. The echocardiogram is not painful, and typically takes 30 minutes in a dark room with a television and DVD player available to distract the child.

Sedated Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Occasionally an infant or toddler may be unable to cooperate with an awake echocardiogram, and a sedated echocardiogram may be requested to better delineate details about the child's cardiac anatomy. These studies are scheduled with a pediatric anesthesiologist, who uses medication to allow the child to sleep through the study. The child must not eat for several hours before a sedated study so anesthesia can be given safely, and a nurse will advise the family of these details when a sedated echocardiogram is scheduled.

Transesophageal Echocardiography
A transesophageal echocardiogram allows doctors to look at detailed structures of the heart via a probe, or tube that goes through the mouth into the esophagus and stomach. This study is sometimes recommended when the transthoracic echocardiogram does not show adequate details. These studies are typically scheduled with a pediatric anesthesiologist, who uses medication to allow the child to sleep through the study.