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At 08:50 AM 6/6/01 -0700, Ron Sallee wrote: >Could you please describe the test that is used to detect PFO. There are two generally used tests to detect a PFO; Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) and Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Both techniques allow observation and frequently accurate measurement of valve motion, chamber size, thickness of structures such as the pericardium, and show functional changes such as altered chamber sizes during systole and diastole. Contrast can be used to identify atrial-septal defects (PFOs) and incompetent valves. TTE is a totally non-invasive procedure in which an ultrasonic sound beam is aimed at the heart and a cardiac image is obtained by recording the reflected sound wave or echoes. An ultrasound probe is placed on the chest to perform the test. TEE is a newer and more invasive technique that employs all of the known technology of Doppler Flow echo but uses a small transducer positioned behind the heart *in* the esophagus. The procedure is usually performed under mild sedation. TEE is by far the more specific and reliable test for PFO. During the test, agitated saline (saline with a lot of tiny bubbles) is injected and observed as it traverses the heart. The patient is asked to perform a valsalva (an abrupt muscle-tensioning similar to coughing) as the saline enters the heart. The test is positive for PFO if the agitated saline is observed to pass through the septum. Your insurance will probably not pay for the test unless it's specifically indicated by some overt condition. If you're going to have this test done, I'd suggest you have the more accurate, though less pleasant, TEE test. -Mike Rodriguez <mikey@mi*.ne*> http://www.mikey.net/scuba Pn(x) = (1/(2^n)n!)[d/dx]^n(x^2 - 1)^n -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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