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What is Bubble Echocardiogram ?

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Echocardiography with agitated serum is a technique used to complement transthoracic echocardiography. Saline solution is mixed with a little bit of the patient's blood and a little air to form microbubbles that are administered intravenously. In this case the microbubbles given remain in the right side of the heart. This test is only performed to study specific diseases, such as communication within the heart (detection of patent foramen ovale), or when there is suspicion of communication between veins and arteries outside the heart, which may occur in certain digestive or neurological diseases.

This type of contrast agent contains no iodine or drugs and the microbubbles disappear quickly from the blood (in a few minutes).

How is it done?

A cannula is placed into a peripheral arm vein, agitated saline serum is administered, and the echocardiographic study is carried out. The cannula is then removed from the vein and the person may leave.

What complications could there be?

The agitated saline serum has no contraindications or adverse effects. The only discomfort for the patient is that caused by the insertion of the cannula.

How do you prepare yourself?

You do not need to fast or take any special measures either before or after the test.

Substantiated information by:

Laura Sanchís Ruiz Cardiologist Cardiology Service

Published: 18 July 2019
Updated: 18 July 2019

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