2D Echocardiography

Sound waves allow your doctor to look inside your body without needing to pierce your skin. Highly advanced 2D echo machines are used to conduct this procedure.

Sent at a frequency too high to be heard, the sound waves bounce an echo off of your heart structures. The information is then recorded within a computer, creating a moving image of your heart’s walls and valves. With this information, your cardiologist or doctor can analyse the condition of your heart structures.

2D Echocardiography provides a number of benefits for the patient and doctor over other methods. Where possible, it is a preferred method and provides high-quality results.

If TTE is not viable or doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend TEE.

If you believe you require a 2D echocardiogram and are worried about any of the problems stated above, get in touch with Harley Street today. Our experienced doctors are experts in providing 2D echocardiograms in Singapore. Patient care and aftercare are our top priority, focussing on helping you diagnose, treat and recover from your ailments.

Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, you may undergo one of two different types of 2D echocardiography:

1. • Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) TTE uses electrodes on your chest which produce sound waves to provide a moving image of your heart. Your doctor can then review the image to better understand your current condition.
2. • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) The TEE method uses an endoscope which will be passed down your throat to take a clearer image without interruption.

As discussed above, the TTE method isn’t always suitable. If there are blockages, your doctor may suggest TEE. Whilst slightly more involved than TTE, TTE is still relatively non-invasive.

When it comes to procedures, most patients are concerned about the potential risks. However, 2D echocardiograms are non-invasive procedures which drastically reduce or completely remove any possible risks.

Firstly, with TTE, there are no associated risks. As a non-invasive procedure, you can be confident that there are no common side effects. With TEE, patients occasionally have a sore throat for three to five days after.