Bubble echocardiography

Bubble echocardiography, also known as the Bubble test, is a technique that allows the detection of communications between the right and left sections of the heart, notably the Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO).

PFO, a common occurrence in 25-30% of the population, is a sort of “hole” in the interatrial septum. Before birth, during the fetal period, this opening facilitates blood passage between the two atria, crucial for distributing oxygen and blood throughout the body. However, at birth and within the first year of life, the interatrial septum should physiologically close as the lungs become active. Failure of this closure is termed “patency of the foramen ovale.”

In some cases, the presence of PFO can lead to headaches and sometimes cerebral ischemia. Hence, the examination may be requested by cardiologists or neurologists.

How is the Bubble test conducted at Clinica Arsbiomedica?

The Bubble test is a simple echocardiogram performed after the administration of saline solution. It’s neither painful nor invasive and typically lasts around 20 minutes.

During the test, saline solution infused from a superficial arm vein forms small bubbles that have no adverse effects on the body. These bubbles, driven by venous circulation, reach the heart, and if the interatrial septum features PFO, the passage from the right atrium to the left atrium can be directly observed.

The nurse will establish venous access using a cannula through which a natural contrast, consisting of saline solution, will be injected.

Echocardiography is performed both before and after saline infusion.

How to prepare for bubble echocardiography:

The Bubble test is a straightforward examination with no side effects, requiring no preparation, allowing patients to resume their activities immediately after the test.