The Ultimate Guide to Cardiac Ultrasound

Cardiac Ultrasound Machine Guide: Uses, Imaging and Procedure

A cardiac ultrasound machine, also called an echocardiography machine or echocardiograph, uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of cardiac structures and blood flow. It helps healthcare professionals assess the heart’s chambers, valves, motion, function, and blood flow.

Cardiac examinations commonly use a phased-array transducer, also known as a cardiac ultrasound probe, because its small footprint supports imaging between the ribs. Depending on the system configuration, the machine may provide 2D imaging, M-mode, Color Doppler, Pulsed Wave Doppler, Continuous Wave Doppler, tissue Doppler, and automated cardiac measurements.

Cardiac Ultrasound Definition

Cardiac ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, including chamber size, ventricular motion, valve movement, and blood flow patterns. It can support the assessment of suspected cardiac abnormalities, but the findings should be interpreted together with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests.

Cardiac Ultrasound Imaging Modes

A cardiac ultrasound machine may use 2D imaging to show the heart’s structures and motion, while Color Doppler displays the direction and relative velocity of blood flow.

A bedside Cardiac Ultrasound or Echocardiogram is a quick Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) that allows you to visualize and evaluate how the heart is functioning. In addition, bedside echocardiography also allows you to evaluate hemodynamic changes and pathological heart diseases.

The Cardiac Ultrasound Procedure is also known as Echocardiography, Echocardiogram, or even just “Echo.” They all refer to the same thing.

In addition, you may see cardiac ultrasound referred to as “Transthoracic” or Transesophageal” echocardiography. Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) is when a cardiac ultrasound is performed on the patient's chest. TTE is the most common cardiac ultrasound application and is non-invasive. TTE is what we will be covering in this post. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is a more specialized cardiac ultrasound with a special probe that is inserted into the patient's esophagus. TEE requires sedation and is considered more invasive than TTE.

Cardiac Ultrasound Preparation

ㆍPatient Preparation

The patient should be supine with the head of the bed flat.

If you are unable to visualize the heart in the supine position, consider repositioning the patient into the Left lateral decubitus. This will bring the heart away from the sternum and give you better sonographic access.

ㆍCardiac Ultrasound Machine Preparation

Transducer: Phased Array (AKA“cardiac probe”)

Preset: Cardiac

One of the most confusing parts of performing cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is understanding where the indicator goes on the ultrasound screen and probe orientation.

ㆍWith the Cardiac Preset:

Make sure the Ultrasound Image Indicator Marker is on the RIGHT side of the ultrasound screen.

This is different from almost all other standard applications where the Ultrasound Image Indicator Marker is on the LEFT side of the screen.

ㆍCardiac Ultrasound Machine Placement:

 Place the ultrasound machine on the patient's right side, so you can scan with your right hand and manipulate ultrasound buttons with your left hand.

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