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The magic of ultrasound: How can TTE non-invasively examine cardiac structures?
In modern medicine, ultrasound technology plays an important role, especially in cardiac examinations. Among them, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most common examination method. This non-invasive detection technology can provide dynamic images of the internal structure and function of the heart.
Transthoracic echocardiography uses an ultrasound probe placed in the chest or abdomen to obtain various views of the heart.
TTE is mainly used to evaluate the overall health of the heart, including the function of the heart valves and the degree of myocardial contraction (an important indicator of the heart's ejection fraction). Professional doctors display the images in real time on a monitor and then record them. The advantage of this technology is that it is non-invasive, allowing important information about heart health to be obtained without the need for surgery.
Characteristics and uses of TTE
TTE can evaluate the four chambers and four valves of the heart, but the clarity of the image varies between individuals. In addition, TTE can also see other structures, such as the aorta, pericardium, pleural effusion, ascites, and inferior vena cava.
This technology can be used to diagnose conditions such as heart attacks, cardiac enlargement/hypertrophy, abnormal deposits of cardiac tissue (such as amyloidosis), and cardiac tumors.
Through advanced tissue Doppler technology, doctors can obtain tissue motion measurements to evaluate ventricular diastolic function, fluid status, and ventricular dyssynchrony. Despite limited visibility of structures behind the heart, this technology remains one of the mainstays of cardiac examination.
Technical process and inspection preparation
A typical TTE is usually performed by a cardiologist or cardiac ultrasound technician. This examination is suitable for use in clinics, inpatient wards and specialized ultrasound rooms. During the examination, the subject usually lies flat and relaxes slightly to the left side to better observe the heart.
The doctor will apply ultrasound gel to the skin to improve image quality and capture clear images of the heart.
The entire inspection process generally takes no more than 30 minutes. If subsequent examination of specific structures is required, a limited examination, also known as "bedside ultrasonography," can be performed to assess the specific problem.
Limitations of TTE
Although TTE is widely used, there are some limitations to this technology. Because ultrasound waves must pass through skin and soft tissue to reach the heart, and different people's body shapes can affect the clarity of the image, in some cases clear enough images may not be obtained.
For example, patients who are extremely obese or underweight may have difficulty in passing ultrasound, which may affect image quality.
In addition, although TTE can assess cardiac structure and function, it cannot directly measure myocardial perfusion, which requires other imaging techniques.
Different inspection techniques
In TTE, several different ultrasound technologies are available, including two-dimensional ultrasound (2D echo), M-mode ultrasound, and Doppler ultrasound. Each of these technologies has its own advantages and can provide corresponding cardiac function information.
For example, two-dimensional ultrasound can provide two-dimensional images of the heart, while M-mode ultrasound can record the movement of structures over time.
In addition, Doppler technology (such as color Doppler and spectral Doppler) can also help doctors analyze blood flow in heart valves and detect problems such as valve stenosis or blood backflow.
Diagnosis of heart disease
TTE is important in the diagnosis of heart disease. It can assist doctors in diagnosing various types of heart disease, including cardiomyopathy, valvular disease and congenital heart disease. Through this technology, physicians can obtain detailed structural and functional information about the heart to develop appropriate treatment plans.
Furthermore, the measurement data provided by TTE examinations are extremely important for determining the severity of the disease and subsequent treatment.
As technology advances, TTE machines have become increasingly more portable, allowing rapid cardiac assessment to be performed anytime and anywhere. This is particularly important for emergency patients.
Conclusion
TTE is not only an important heart examination technology, but also an effective means to help medical staff understand potential heart problems. However, as technology evolves, should we explore more possibilities to further improve the accuracy and efficiency of cardiac examinations?
