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Echocardiography
Echocardiogram testing in Melbourne and Gippsland
Melbourne Cardiology Group provides high-quality echocardiogram testing for patients across Melbourne and Gippsland. We offer both transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), performed externally through the chest, and transoesophageal echocardiograms (TOE), which provide more detailed images of the heart under sedation.
Learn more about each test, including preparation, what to expect and possible risks.
Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) is a non-invasive test used to study your heart’s structure and function using sound waves. At Melbourne Cardiology Group, we provide high-quality cardiac testing with convenient access across Melbourne and Gippsland.
Our diagnostic services are overseen by A/Prof Gautam Vaddadi, who has a dedicated special interest in diagnostic cardiac testing and echocardiography. As a specialist in the field, A/Prof Vaddadi performs a significant portion of the echocardiogram reporting within the clinic, ensuring your results are interpreted with expert clinical oversight.
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An echocardiogram, often simply called an “echo,” a heart ultrasound, or a TTE, is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of your heart. By moving a handheld device called a transducer across your chest, a technician captures real-time visuals of your heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow. This helps doctors check for structural issues without using radiation.
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Doctors typically order this test to investigate symptoms or monitor known conditions. Common reasons include:
Investigating Symptoms: Persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Heart Murmurs: Checking the cause of unusual sounds heard during a physical exam.
Monitoring Disease: Assessing heart failure, valve disease, or damage after a heart attack.
Blood Pressure Impact: Seeing if chronic high blood pressure has thickened the heart walls.
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For a standard "transthoracic" echo, very little preparation is required:
Diet: You can usually eat and drink normally beforehand.
Medication: Continue taking your regular medications unless advised otherwise.
Clothing: Wear a two-piece outfit; you will be asked to remove your top and wear a medical gown.
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The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will lie on an exam table while a technician applies a small amount of gel to your chest. They will move the transducer across your skin, applying firm pressure to get the best images. You may hear a "whooshing" sound—this is the machine recording your blood flow.
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A standard echocardiogram is exceptionally safe. There is no radiation involved, and the sound waves are the same as those used for pregnancy ultrasounds. You may feel slight discomfort from the pressure of the transducer, but there are no known side effects.
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Once the images are captured, you are free to resume your normal activities immediately. There is no recovery time needed, and you can drive yourself home. A full report will be completed by a cardiologist, such as A/Prof Vaddadi, and sent to your referring doctor.
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Usually between 30 and 45 minutes.
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Results are typically sent to your referring doctor within 1 week.
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No, though the technician may need to press firmly on your chest.
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An ECG records the electrical activity (rhythm), while an Echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart's physical structure (muscle and valves).
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While it doesn't "see" the arteries directly, it can show if parts of the heart muscle are weak, which often suggests a blockage is present.
Book an appointment with A/Prof Gautam Vaddadi to discuss whether this test is right for you.
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) provides high-resolution, detailed images of the heart by guiding a transducer down the oesophagus under sedation.
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While a standard echo is done from the outside of the chest, a TOE involves a flexible tube with a tiny transducer at the tip being guided into your oesophagus. This proximity to the heart allows for high-definition imaging of the heart muscle, valves, and large blood vessels, as well as precise measurements of the pressures within the heart chambers.
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A doctor will typically recommend a TOE when a standard transthoracic echo (TTE) cannot provide enough detail. Common reasons include:
Checking for Blood Clots: Often performed before procedures like cardioversion to ensure no clots are present in the heart’s chambers (which could cause a stroke).
Valve Assessment: Getting a detailed look at heart valve disease or checking for infections on a valve (endocarditis).
Aortic Issues: Screening for tears or abnormalities in the aorta.
Surgical Planning: Providing detailed "blueprints" for surgeons before heart valve repair or replacement.
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Because this procedure involves sedation, preparation is more involved than a standard scan:
Fasting: You must not eat or drink anything (usually for 6 hours) before the test.
Medications: Discuss your usual medications with your doctor; they will advise if you should take them with a small sip of water.
Transport: You cannot drive for 24 hours following sedation. You must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you.
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The procedure is performed in a hospital setting and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes:
Numbing & Sedation: Your throat will be sprayed with a local anaesthetic to numb it, and you will be given intravenous sedation to help you relax or sleep.
Monitoring: Small electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm throughout.
The Probe: Once you are relaxed, the cardiologist will gently guide the flexible tube into your mouth and down your oesophagus. You will be able to breathe normally throughout the process.
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A TOE is a very safe and routine procedure, though there are minor risks:
Throat Soreness: You may have a mild sore throat for a day or two afterward.
Sedation Reactions: Some patients may feel nauseous or groggy from the sedative.
Rare Complications: In very rare cases, the tube can cause injury to the throat or oesophagus.
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Recovery: You will be monitored in a recovery area until the sedative begins to wear off.
Eating/Drinking: You must wait until your throat is no longer numb (usually about an hour) before eating or drinking to avoid choking.
Results: The images are reviewed by the cardiologist performing the procedure and a report is typically sent to your referring GP or specialist within a few days.
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You will be sedated—most people are very drowsy or fall into a light sleep and do not remember the probe being inserted.
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The throat spray and sedation ensure the procedure is not painful, though you may feel a "pressure" sensation briefly.
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Because of the sedation, you should take the rest of the day off and avoid operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.
Book an appointment with Dr Aravinda Selvarajah to discuss whether a TOE is right for you
Questions?
call us on 03 9964 4848