Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Protocol for optimal detection and exclusion of a patent foramen ovale using transthoracic echocardiography with
Robert R Attaran1, Imran Ata, Vijayasree Kudithipudi
1Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|August 17, 2006
Abstract:
Agitated saline bubble studies in conjunction with echocardiography, in particular transesophageal echocardiography, are currently the principal means in the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale (PFO). We describe techniques and guidelines for the detection and exclusion of a PFO. The potential for misinterpretation of these bubble studies exists and therefore, several false positive and false negative scenarios are illustrated and discussed.

