Bubble Study (Contrast Echo)
A Bubble study is a useful test for establishing the presence of a hole in the heart or PFO (patent foramen ovale).
The patient lies on a bed and the operator places a probe over the chest wall. A gel is applied to the chest wall and the probe is moved back and forth collecting several “views” of the heart. A small needle is placed in the arm or back of the hand. Whilst the images are taken, the consultant cardiologist injects a sterile contrast solution from a syringe which has been agitated so that tiny bubbles have formed. The bubbles are filtered by the lungs so they should only be seen in the right side of the heart, if they are seen in the left side this indicates a positive test and an opening between the two sides of the heart.
The test takes 30-40 minutes to complete and is an extremely safe procedure.
Indications for a Bubble study :
- Suspected hole in the heart
- PFO
- Stroke (under 55yrs)
- Migraine
- Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Other Tests Explaned
- Echocardiograms
- Doppler ultrasound
- abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- DVT screen
- Varicose vein screen
- Exercise ECG (stress) testing
- 24hr ECG monitoring
- 24hr Blood pressure
- Sports screening
- Insurance medicals