Echocardiogram (= ECHO) A noninvasive test that uses ultrasound techniques to detect enlargement of the cardiac chambers or variations in chamber size during the cardiac cycle No anatomic or functional abnormalities A transducer is placed over the third and fourth intercostal spaces to the left of the sternum. The transducer emits ultrasonic beams (high frequency sound waves) The transducer picks up the echos created by the deflection of the beams from the various heart structures. To evaluate abnormal heart sounds To evaluate heart size, chamber size, and valvular function To detect tumors, Pericardial Effusion, and wall motion abnormalities Purpose of Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Diagnose a thoracic aortic pathologic condition, including suspected aneurysms Mitral valve disease or assessment of a prosthetic valve Suspected endocarditis Congenital Heart Disease Left atrial thrombi Cardiac tumors Abnormal heart valves Aneurysm Cardiomyopathy Congenital heart disorders Congestive Heart Failure Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis Mural thrombi Myocardial Infarction Pericardial Effusion Restrictive Pericarditis Tumor of the heart Chest wall abnormalities Excessive movement Improper placement of transducer For TEE History of irradiation of mediastinum Esophageal dysphagia Structural abnormalities