Echocardiography (ultra sound examination of the heart) is a technique that allows to display the structure, function and blood flow patterns of the heart on a TV screen without the use of x-ray. Sound waves are passed into the heart and the resulting echoes are recorded. It is completely safe and painless. However, the child has to remain somewhat still during the examination. Occasionally, sedation is required for frightened or uncooperative young children.

Most echocardiograms are done by placing the Echo-transducer (the device which emits the sound) directly on the chest wall over the heart. Under exceptional circumstances (usually in the operating room under anesthesia) the echo-transducer will be placed into the esophagus just behind the heart.

Most cardiac abnormalities are now accurately and completely diagnosed by doing an echocardiogram. Repeat evaluations are often needed as the child grows up. It has become one of the most important and frequently used tests to diagnose and manage children with heart problems. Whereas a heart catheterization used to be required prior to surgery, the echocardiogram has largely eliminated the latter diagnostic tool.

Echocardiography can also be used for stress tests and similar related evaluations.

A special form of echocardiography is the evaluation of the fetus within a pregnant mother: see Fetal Echocardiography on this web site.