Advanced Echocardiography

The MCG echocardiography laboratory provides state-of-the-art imaging including the following advanced technologies.

Real-time, 3D Echocardiography

  • 3-D Transthoracic Volumetric Imaging
  • 3-D Transesophageal Imaging

Live 3D Echo enables you to quickly and easily visualize complex cardiac anatomy and provide the following additional information:

  • Visualization of complex anatomic features
  • Comprehensive assessment of valvular anatomy and function
  • Ability to visualize catheters in 3D space
  • Enhancement assessment of regional/global LV and RV volumes and function

Accurate LV Volume and Ejection Fraction

Ejection fraction is the most widely used measurement to assess cardiac function.  Using Live 3D images with 3DQ and 3DQ Advanced quantification tools, we are able to provide more accurate assessment of regional and cardiac function, including volumes and ejection fractions.  

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is performed with the help of a variety of echocardiographic techniques to aid in optimization of biventricular pacemakers. Standard TTE and advanced techniques are employed to assess for intraventricular, interventricular and AV dysynchrony which helps to detect responders to CRT.  CRT has been shown to significantly improving the quality of life and exercise capacity in patients who respond to CRT.  Complementary 2D and 3D QLAB quantification tools help to better assess the suitability of heart failure patients for CRT and subsequent optimization of pacing parameters. Newer techniques for CRT that are being initiated at MCG include the following:

  • Tissue Velocity Imaging and Strain Quantification allow for a comparison of peak myocardial velocities, strain and strain rate from specified LV segments. Special processing using strain quantification allows for temporal display of waveforms for easy comparison and analysis. Speckle strain analysis will also be employed for similar purposes.
  • Advanced 3DQ is an additional tool allows for comparisons of multiple left ventricular segments by assessment of regional LV volumes. It allows for quantification of all 17 LV segments. 3DQ Advanced can assess regional LV synchrony/dyssynchrony by calculating the time it takes for each regional segment to reach its minimal systolic volume.