Echocardiography (TTE)
Echocardiography (TTE)
What is an Echocardiography (TTE)?
Echocardiography is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It can be transthoracic (TTE) or transoesophageal (TOE). Both scan types can be used to look at heart function, assess the valves and also to look for structural abnormalities such as valve problems and holes in the heart.
Who needs an echocardiogram?
Most patients being seen in a cardiology clinic will need an echocardiogram. It is particularly useful for patients with symptoms such as breathlessness where will need to assess both heart valve function and heart pumping function.
What can I expect from an echocardiogram?
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is often carried out at the same time as a clinic visit. An ultrasound probe is placed against the chest with some gel and moving pictures of the heart and measurements can be recorded. A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is used in certain situations where TTE does not provide all the necessary information, and is often used to plan complex procedures (such as mitral or tricuspid intervention) and in certain situations such as where we suspect heart valve infection.
Get in Touch
Dr Dawkins has private clinics in Oxford at the Nuffield Manor Hospital and in London at Cleveland Clinic London. Please get in touch if you would like to make an appointment. We can usually arrange to see you within a few days. For urgent appointments, a same-day visit or telephone consultation can often be arranged. To arrange an appointment, please complete this form or call us on 020 7205 2024 (London) or 01865 598040 (Oxford).