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Imaging Technology Reveals More Detail of the Heart
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin are among seven medical centers in the United States that tested the Philips Medical 3-D TEE — new technology that may greatly improve the way heart problems are diagnosed.
For the first time, live three-dimensional heart imaging has been transitioned to a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe, enabling cardiology physicians to view more detailed information to diagnose heart disease.
TEE involves gently placing a tube down the throat and into the esophagus. A small ultrasound probe on the end of the tube allows the ultrasound to be closer to the heart and provide clearer pictures. In addition to revealing heart abnormalities TEE can show the size of the heart, how well it pumps and damage to heart tissue.
“We were so impressed with the clinical advantages of the images, we purchased the probe in January 2007,” said Timothy Woods, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin cardiologist and director of the Froedtert & the Medical College Valvular Disease Clinic and Echocardiography Laboratory. “Our heart patients will now get an enhanced diagnosis.”
Source: Froedtert Today Date: March 2008 |