ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
A look into the heart: precision through ultrasound
Echocardiography is the most important imaging procedure in modern cardiology. Without radiation exposure, it enables PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno, to assess the structure and function of your heart in real time. Whether heart valve defects, pump weakness or thickening of the heart muscle - we visualize how your heart works in order to detect diseases at an early stage and precisely control therapies
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Clarity in real time: 7 insights from echocardiography
Ultrasound is the stethoscope of the 21st century. But technology is only as good as the examiner. PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno uses high-end devices with AI support to visualize the finest details of your heart. We don't just look at the obvious, but analyze the mechanics of your heart in depth.
- Anatomical scan Measurement of the heart cavities and wall thicknesses to assess heart size and muscle mass.
- Pump force analysis: Accurate determination of the ejection fraction (LVEF) to see how effectively your heart is pumping blood to the body.
- Flap check: Visual examination of all four heart valves for tightness (insufficiency) or narrowing (stenosis).
- Color Doppler: Display of the blood flow in color to immediately localize turbulence or leaks.
- Wall movement analysis: Search for scarring changes or movement disorders that could indicate a (silent) infarction.
- Strain imaging (speckle tracking):: Measurement of the fine fiber shortening of the heart muscle for early detection of damage, even before the pumping force decreases.
- Immediate diagnosis: During the examination, Dr. Bruno explains the images live on the monitor and discusses the results.
For whom is echocardiography useful?
This examination is the central element of every basic cardiological diagnosis and is relevant for almost every patient who wants clarity about their cardiac status.
For symptomsFor patients with shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations or water retention in the legs.
High blood pressure patientsTo check whether the chronic pressure has already led to a thickening of the heart muscle.
For flap controlFollow-up of known heart murmurs or diagnosed valve defects.
Athletes & Check-upExclusion of congenital heart defects (e.g. cardiomyopathies) to prevent sudden cardiac death.
What we measure - Innovative echo diagnostics
We use the latest 3D ultrasound technology, which provides us with spatial insights that remain hidden from conventional devices. This precision data forms the basis for every treatment decision by PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno.
| Field of investigation | Method & medical benefits |
| Global pump function | Biplane Simpson methodGold standard for calculating ejection fraction (EF) to reliably confirm or rule out heart failure. |
| Flap function | CW & PW DopplerMeasurement of the flow velocities over the heart valves for exact graduation of constrictions or leaks. |
| Fabric mechanics | Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS)Highly sensitive analysis of muscle fiber deformation. Detects functional disorders often years before classic echocardiography. |
| Filling pressure | Tissue Doppler (TDI)Assessment of the elasticity of the heart muscle (diastole) in order to detect „stiffening“ of the heart at an early stage. |
| Heart dimensions | 3D volumetrySpatial measurement of the atria and ventricles for precise assessment of changes in size. |
| Aortic screening | Vascular scanVisualization of the main artery at the base of the heart to detect dangerous dilations (aneurysms). |
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Frequently asked questions about cardiac ultrasound
Early clarification of symptoms or risk factors is the key to long-term heart health. Our cardiology practice in Düsseldorf offers you the right specialized care for every need.
No, echocardiography works with harmless ultrasound waves. It is absolutely painless, radiation-free and can be repeated as often as required, making it the ideal method for follow-up checks.
No, you do not need to be fasting for a normal transthoracic cardiac ultrasound (from outside through the chest). You can take your medication as usual and eat normally.
A thorough echocardiography with PD Dr. Bruno usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. As we discuss the findings directly during the examination, you will have immediate certainty.
For the examination, you only need to expose your upper body so that the transducer can make contact with the skin. Women can keep their bra on during preparation; it only needs to be briefly loosened or moved for access to the chest.
Yes, an acute myocardial infarction is characterized by disturbed wall movement. Old infarcts are also visible as scar tissue, as these areas no longer actively contract and appear lighter in the ultrasound image.
The ECG measures the electrical activity (rhythm), the ultrasound shows the mechanical work (pumping capacity, valves, structure). For a complete diagnosis, we usually need both procedures.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
High-tech in a relaxed atmosphere
Ultrasound examinations require concentration and calm. In our darkened, soundproofed diagnostic rooms in the New Stahlhof provides PD Dr. med. Raphael Bruno for a relaxed environment. The ultrasound gel is pre-warmed and you can follow the examination live on a large monitor while Dr. Bruno explains exactly what he sees. Transparency and your well-being are paramount.
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