Heart disease, the largest health threat for men and women, claims the
lives of 600,000 individuals annually. Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s
unbelievable team of cardiac physician’s specializes in unique procedures,
techniques and heart conditions. Through their hard work, devotion, and
expertise, the team hopes to put an end to the heart disease epidemic.
Today we discuss with J. Christopher Matchison, MD, who will talk to us
about echocardiography.
Heart Hero:
J. CHRISTOPHER MATCHISON, MD
Interventional Cardiology
Echocardiography is routinely used in the diagnosis, management and follow-up
of patients suspected to have or with known heart diseases.
Besides providing information such as the size and shape of a heart, its
pumping capacity and the location and extent of any tissue damage, what
other information can an echocardiogram provide physicians?
One of the most exciting uses for echocardiography is as it pertains to
complex procedures such as TAVR. Echo, in this case trans-esophageal echo,
is utilized throughout the procedure and is indispensable as an imaging
modality. Pre-procedurally, we use the 3-D technology to determine what
size valve should be implanted and to evaluate for potential pitfalls
such as excessive calcium deposition on the native valve leaflets. 3D
is a new and challenging technology for physicians to interpret but provides
invaluable information about valve structures. Intra-procedurally echo
is used in conjunction with fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) to confirm appropriate
valve placement and position. Finally, at the time of valve deployment,
echo can be used to rapidly evaluate for procedural complications.
Do you often use a stress echocardio-graphy test?
Stress echocardiography is a fantastic tool—particularly when exercise
is used as the physical stressor (instead of medication). Besides being
an effective, reliable way to evaluate for ischemia (compromise of blood
flow to the heart), it is very safe for the patient and does not necessitate
exposure to drugs or radiation.
YOUR OTHER HEART HEROS: Michael Wyman, MD |
Sang Yong Ji, MD |
Jack Sun, MD | Christopher Matchison, MD |
Salman Azam, MD |
John Stoneburner, MD