R
RandyL
Was just wondering what test is the best for Valve Leakage?
1. Echo
2. TEE
3. CT Scan
4. Cathe
5. Any others I didn't mention
1. Echo
2. TEE
3. CT Scan
4. Cathe
5. Any others I didn't mention
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I believe a cath Lyn
MikeHeim
Well-known member
I'm almost 100% sure that it is the TEE. That is why you have one during your surgery - to confirm the effectiveness of your repaired or replaced valve. It was my understanding that my cath was done pre-op only to determine if my arteries were clear.
Ross
Well-known member
As with Mike, I've been told TEE also. They missed my aneurysm by cath, so I'm not to speculative of those.
D
davidfortune
For actual valve and regurgitation analysis the TEE is best.
For heart measurements the echo or 64 slice CT (much more expensive and less available).
The echo gives a 2-D picture that can (most times) give an accurate measurement of heart chamber sizes, aorta size and an estimate of EF.
The TEE give a much more accurate look at the valve itself along with better doppler analysis of the regurgitation.
64 slice CT is crazy amazing for being able to create a 3-D picture of the heart and all associated vascular network. Don't know the availability everywhere or even specific criteria for Rx with this technology. It really can give the surgeon a detailed 3-D picture of all anatomy before he goes in.
For heart measurements the echo or 64 slice CT (much more expensive and less available).
The echo gives a 2-D picture that can (most times) give an accurate measurement of heart chamber sizes, aorta size and an estimate of EF.
The TEE give a much more accurate look at the valve itself along with better doppler analysis of the regurgitation.
64 slice CT is crazy amazing for being able to create a 3-D picture of the heart and all associated vascular network. Don't know the availability everywhere or even specific criteria for Rx with this technology. It really can give the surgeon a detailed 3-D picture of all anatomy before he goes in.
B
Buckeye in MI
TEE today
TEE today
Hi!
Had my TEE done today and they told me that this was the best test to see what level my regurgitation is. Not a bad test (thanks PegB for your great advice!) and I really don't remember much of it because of the drugs.
Told me my regurgitation was moderate to severe. Now, my next stop is to the cardiologist to see my next step.
Lots of waiting around.
Jane
Buckeye in MI
Waiting...
TEE today
Hi!
Had my TEE done today and they told me that this was the best test to see what level my regurgitation is. Not a bad test (thanks PegB for your great advice!) and I really don't remember much of it because of the drugs.
Told me my regurgitation was moderate to severe. Now, my next stop is to the cardiologist to see my next step.
Lots of waiting around.
Jane
Buckeye in MI
Waiting...
I'm having another TEE on Monday due to some increased symptoms and they told me the TEE is definitely the best test to measure the level of regurgitation and is far better than an echocardiogram for this....
X
xbxb
Tee
Tee
If they just want a clear view of the Aortic Valve TEE is best - only thing between heart is the wall of the esophogus.
On a standard Echo you have the ribs, etc all getting in the way.
When I had sever symptons my Echo showed minimal leakage, and then my cardiac cath confirmed this was wrong. But when they wanted the best look at the valve - to see if I was a candidate for a Tisue Saving Bicuspid repair they did the TEE.
Also they may scare you saying its possible to perforate your Esophogus before the test - relax -they relax you and it is an extremely safe and easy test.
Good luck.
Tee
If they just want a clear view of the Aortic Valve TEE is best - only thing between heart is the wall of the esophogus.
On a standard Echo you have the ribs, etc all getting in the way.
When I had sever symptons my Echo showed minimal leakage, and then my cardiac cath confirmed this was wrong. But when they wanted the best look at the valve - to see if I was a candidate for a Tisue Saving Bicuspid repair they did the TEE.
Also they may scare you saying its possible to perforate your Esophogus before the test - relax -they relax you and it is an extremely safe and easy test.
Good luck.
C
Caitlin
Hi Randy
I agree with others that my card prefers the TEE for upclose and personal detail on the valves.
The reason I am posting however, is that in my case, the MV regurge did not show up in the cath tests even though it has been rated as mod-severe for years on echos and TEEs.
I have had 3 so far with the same results.
In fact my card, when he ordered the latest pre-surgery cath told them only to look at the arteries, skip the valves. I have asked every echo tech and a few others why this is so and been told that the heart is a marvelous thing.
The Dr who did the second cath did not believe his own eyes (he used dye)and called for an echo right there in the cathroom and there the regurge was, as big as life. The click and murmer is easily heard by stethascope too, so in my case the cath was an expensive way to not get results!
I agree with others that my card prefers the TEE for upclose and personal detail on the valves.
The reason I am posting however, is that in my case, the MV regurge did not show up in the cath tests even though it has been rated as mod-severe for years on echos and TEEs.
I have had 3 so far with the same results. In fact my card, when he ordered the latest pre-surgery cath told them only to look at the arteries, skip the valves. I have asked every echo tech and a few others why this is so and been told that the heart is a marvelous thing.
The Dr who did the second cath did not believe his own eyes (he used dye)and called for an echo right there in the cathroom and there the regurge was, as big as life. The click and murmer is easily heard by stethascope too, so in my case the cath was an expensive way to not get results!
