The procedure involves placing a small tube in your arm’s vein, through which a specially prepared saline solution is injected. This solution creates microbubbles, enhancing the ultrasound images.
This test is crucial for diagnosing heart conditions, including detecting any abnormal openings in the heart, and assessing the heart’s structure and blood flow. It’s a non-invasive method, meaning it does not involve surgery.
No special preparation is required for this test. During the procedure, you’ll lie down, and a healthcare professional will perform the ultrasound. The agitated saline is injected during the ultrasound, and various heart images are captured.
You will be required to take off your clothing from your waist up and lie on the bed on your side. A Cardiac Sonographer will then perform a series of images and videos by a probe prepared with some gel, which she will move around your chest area while applying some pressure to your ribs. Few electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart rate during the scan. The Sonographer may ask you to change your body position at times and hold your breath occasion- ally. There may be slight discomfort due to the pressure applied to your chest by a probe as it is important in creating good quality images.
