“Advanced cardiac imaging with 3D echocardiography”

It is a special type of heart ultrasound that provides us with a detailed, three-dimensional view of your child’s heart. This technology allows us to see the heart in a way that’s much more precise than traditional 2D echocardiography, helping us better understand your child’s heart condition.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Preparation:

When you and your child arrive, they’ll be taken to an examination room where the test will take place. Your child will need to remove their shirt so we can access the chest, but they’ll be given a gown or blanket to keep them comfortable. There’s no special preparation needed, and the test is non-invasive, which means it doesn’t involve needles or anything that would cause pain.

Applying Gel:

We’ll apply a small amount of warm gel on your child’s chest. This gel helps the ultrasound probe, which is a small handheld device, to move smoothly over the skin and get clear images of the heart.

Capturing 3D Images:

The technician or doctor will use the ultrasound probe to take images of your child’s heart. Unlike traditional 2D echocardiography, which gives us flat images, 3D echocardiography captures multiple angles at once, creating a three-dimensional image of the heart. Your child might be asked to change positions or take deep breaths to help us get the best possible images. The entire process is painless, and your child will just need to lie still for about 30 to 60 minutes.

What We’re Looking For:

The 3D images allow us to see the heart’s structure, such as the chambers, valves, and blood vessels, in much more detail. This is especially helpful if your child has a complex heart condition, as it helps us see exactly how the heart is functioning and if there are any problems that need attention. We can also view the heart in motion, which helps us understand how well it’s pumping and how blood is flowing through the heart.

After the Test:

Once the test is done, we’ll clean off the gel, and your child can get dressed and go back to their regular activities. There are no side effects, so they can continue their day as usual. The images will be reviewed by a specialist who will analyze them in detail. We’ll then discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your child’s heart health.

Why We Use 3D Echocardiography:

This advanced imaging is particularly useful when we need a more detailed view of your child’s heart, especially if they have a complex or congenital heart condition. The clearer images help us make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. It’s a very safe and comfortable procedure, and the detailed images we get from 3D echocardiography are incredibly valuable in understanding and managing your child’s heart health. We’ll make sure your child feels at ease during the test, and we’re here to answer any questions you might have.