Echocardiograms
Echocardiograms – performed at the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center – help to determine the structure of the components of the heart. An echocardiogram measures the size and thickness of the heart chambers, how the heart is handling the pumping of the blood through the chambers, and blood flow through the heart valves.
More than 10,000 echocardiogram studies are performed each year at Cincinnati Children's Echocardiography Lab, which is staffed by nine attending cardiologists and 10 sonographers specializing in the field. The Echocardiography Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging utilizing all available modalities, including transthoracic, transesophageal, fetal, dobutamine and exercise stress studies and vascular ultrasound.
Comprehensive Diagnosis for Heart Institute Patients
- A transthoracic echocardiogram provides a complete diagnosis and is harmless and painless. At Cincinnati Children's, it is performed in a four-exam-room suite with television and videotapes in each room for the patients' relaxation and peace of mind.
- A transesophageal echocardiogram is performed in the operating room to immediately evaluate the results of heart surgery.
- A comprehensive fetal echocardiogram provides detailed information on a baby's heart before birth and counseling to the parents.
- A stress echocardiogram involves performing echocardiography during stress – usually exercise – providing an assessment of the function of the heart and its valves during the more typically active state of children.
Contact the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
