Non Invasive Imaging
MonashHeart is one of the largest non invasive imaging services in Victoria, performing nearly 14,000 echocardiograms each year for newborns through to adults.
- Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) is a completely safe, painless and non invasive test used to assess heart structure and function involving the placement of an ultrasound transducer on the chest wall to bounce sound waves off the heart chambers and valves. From the reflected ultrasound, a dynamic image of the heart is obtained.
- The adult service is staffed by cardiologists who have all undertaken sub-specialty training in echocardiography (many of whom have completed higher degrees such as PhD). The paediatric service is provided by paediatric cardiologist specialists, who are experts in non invasive imaging and are actively involved in teaching and research.
- Echocardiograms are performed by a cardiac sonographer, a cardiac technologist who has undergone extensive training to qualify in the field of echocardiography.