Your doctor has decided that you should have a Bubble Echocardiogram.
What is it?
A bubble echocardiogram is a targeted heart scan that uses ultrasound to detect a small hole between the top heart chambers called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO.)
Why is it being done?
Your doctor has decided that you need a Bubble Echocardiogram. This test is used to detect a small hole in the heart called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO.)
The foramen ovale is a flap which allows blood to flow between the two top chambers of the heart (atria) whilst we develop in the womb. This flap usually closes at birth, however, in some it remains, allowing intermittent flow of blood between these two heart chambers.
In most cases, a PFO causes no symptoms or complications, however evidence suggests these small holes may be responsible for certain strokes when no other cause can be found.
What does it involve?
During the scan, two people will usually be present - a cardiac physiologist and specialist nurse. The person performing the test is called a cardiac physiologist, who may be male or female. A doctor is not present for the test. This means that some questions you may have about the result may have to wait until you see your doctor in clinic.
You will be asked to undress to the waist and put on a gown that should be left open to the front. You will be asked to lie on a couch on your left hand side. The physiologist may also be sitting on the same couch while performing the scan. The lights will be dimmed during the test.
Stickers will be attached to your chest and connected to the machine. These will be used to monitor your heart rate during the test. A cannula (small tube) will be placed in your arm.
The physiologist will record a number of pictures of the heart using a handheld probe, covered in a small amount of gel (which may be cold). Whilst this is happening, the nurse will inject a small volume of your own blood (drawn back from the cannula) mixed with saline and a tiny amount of air. This injection will be repeated a few times depending on image quality. You may be asked to briefly hold your breath, cough and sniff whilst the images are being recorded.
The bubble echocardiogram will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete and the cannula will be removed prior to you going home.
Delays are possible during busy periods.
Are there any special precautions that I need to take before the echocardiogram?
No. You can take all your medication as normal. You can eat and drink as normal.
At the end of your bubble echocardiogram
Once the bubble echocardiogram is complete, you can get dressed and leave. There are no limitations to what you can do after the scan, for example, you may drive.
Are there any risks in having an adverse reaction to a bubble echo?
This is an extremely safe test as only sterile saline is administered during the test.
How to contact us
If you require any further information, please contact the Cardiorespiratory Department at the site you have been notified to attend.
Fairfield General Hospital on 0161 778 2028; or
Salford Main Outpatient Department on 0161 206 4100
Date of Review: February 2025
Date of Next Review: February 2027
Ref No: PI_M_2051 (Bury)