Adult Echocardiography and Doppler

Abstract

One of the first reports of cardiac ultrasound imaging occurred in 1954 by Elder and Hertz. They described the use of ultrasound imaging for displaying continuous recording of movement of heart walls. This was displayed by the use of A-mode and B-mode methods. In the late 1950s, continuous-wave Doppler was used in cardiac imaging. By the late 1960s, two-dimensional real-time B-mode imaging was performed using mechanical head transducers. In the mid-1970s, phased array transducers were being utilized. Also in the late 1970s, transesophageal echo was being tested. The 1980s have seen advances in computer technology that have made color flow Doppler imaging possible, along with better image quality through scan conversion and image processing. In the 1990s developing techniques included stress echocardiography, intravascular ultrasound, contrast echocardiography, digital acquisition, second harmonic imaging, ultrasonic tissue characterization, and three-dimensional echocardiography. More recently, echocardiography has seen advances in real-time 3D imaging, handheld echocardiography, and myocardial perfusion. Advances in technology, along with improved understanding of the equipment, have made the availability and demand of echocardiography invaluable.