Published on February 18, 2012

3-D Echocardiography Improves Heart Care at Asante Hospitals

Heart Valves imaged by 3D electrocardiagram in real time during heart surgery at Rogue Valley Medical Center

Last year, more than 4,000 adults and 500 children had an echocardiogram at RVMC. This advanced ultrasound imaging procedure, used to quickly diagnose many heart problems, is now clearer than ever before—thanks to new high-resolution 3-D echocardiography technology at Asante Echocardiography labs in Medford and Grants Pass.“We have been doing echocardiography at both RVMC and TRCH for 40 years or so, but our newly acquired 3-D equipment is state-of-the-art,” says Gary Johnson, technical director of the RVMC Echocardiography Lab.

The new equipment at all RVMC and TRCH Echo labs will allow technicians to image the heart faster, and with greater detail due to advances in computer processing. It is especially effective with imaging heart valves to determine the effectiveness of repairs. “We now can use 3-D technology live in the operating suite during open heart surgery, giving our surgeons more information about the results of their valve replacements or repairs, which reduces the chance of the patient having to come back for additional surgery,” Gary explains.

In addition, images will be stored digitally, enabling side-by-side comparison of a previous exam to the current exam. Digital capabilities are especially valuable to children, whose exams may need to be viewed by pediatric cardiologists in Portland. Because the images can be sent electronically, doctors will have the information they need faster than ever before.

Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images and sounds of the heart and arteries. No radiation or X-ray contrast is involved, which is an advantage for patients concerned about exposure. The exam may be performed while the patient is lying still or while exercising on a supine bicycle (stress test). Echocardiograms can detect many conditions including heart disease, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), heart failure, cardiac tumors or clots, and more.

This technology is essential to caring for heart health in our communities. “Having this service at both hospitals allows patients to receive care locally and not have to travel,” Gary says. He adds that flexibility is another benefit, because “Cardiac problems are many times an emergent situation. Echocardiography can be performed in the emergency room at the bedside.”

RVMC is adding more echocardiography machines to its lab, which will enable the hospital to perform more echocardiograms per day and reduce wait times for outpatient appointments as well as inpatient exams. “We expect that our volume will continue to increase in 2012,” Gary says. “Our volume in January was higher than last year.”

Reviewed by Philip Stanley on February 17, 2012