|
|
|
 Three noninvasive tests can be used for the detection of a patent foramen ovale:
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
- Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
When performing one of the tests above, an intravenous line is placed in the arm and an agitated saline solution is injected. The agitated saline solution is filled with tiny microbubbles. If there is a PFO, microbubbles will be observed flowing into the left atrium from the right atrium through the PFO. Otherwise, if there is not a PFO, the microbubbles are filtered by the lungs and no change is seen in the tracing of the blood flow.
|
