The Echocardiography Lab

An ultrasound of the heart can provide a cardiologist with an enormous amount of pertinent information including, but not limited to, the detail in heart structure and pumping function. Our lab boasts top-notch technologists that obtain accredited images you can trust. We are the only echo lab in Western Colorado to be accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in all three types of echocardiograms: transthoracic, trans-esophageal and stress echocardiograms. Vascular studies are also performed here and include carotid ultrasounds, lower extremity venous and arterial dopplers, and abdominal aorta ultrasounds. Echo services are now available at our satellite locations of Grand Junction and Meeker.

Echocardiography Services

  • Our Echo Lab provides cardiac ultrasound services based on IAC guidelines. We perform adult Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE), Stress Echocardiography including Dobutamine and Treadmill, and Transesophageal Echo (TEE) routinely. Other advanced cardiac testing includes 3D imaging in both Transthoracic and TEE procedures, strain imaging, use of echo contrast medium, and agitated saline studies.

  • Strain imaging evaluates early detection of cardiac toxicity resulting from therapies used to treat cancer patients. Strain imaging is more sensitive in detecting myocardial dysfunction and allows oncologists to manage heart disease risk factors in cancer patients. Strain imaging, also known as deformation imaging, is also used to quantify regional myocardial function and the effects of valvular heart disease.

  • Transthoracic and Transesophageal 3D Echocardiography is used as an advanced tool to analyze LV volume mass and function. 3D volume is helpful to compare with standard 2D Echo to improve upon evaluation of overall left ventricular function. 3D imaging is also a valuable tool to better evaluate the extent of valvular heart disease. 3D imaging allows the cardiologist to visualize the heart from any perspective. Cardiac surgeons value the information from 3D Echo concerning valvular disorders to better determine the extent of surgical intervention.

     

    3D Echo can also be helpful in evaluating the right heart function. We are the only lab on the western slope closely evaluating right heart function for those with right heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary disease. Vascular studies are also performed and include carotid ultrasounds, lower extremity venous and arterial dopplers, and abdominal aorta ultrasounds

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