Echocardiography in 2009: state of the art

Remarkable advancements have taken place in echocardiography over the last decade. Real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) has had an impact on numerous clinical applications, from chamber quantification to percutaneous and intraoperative procedural guidance. Novel techniques are emerging to assess left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. Contrast agents have undergone recent labeling changes and reestablished their roles in clinical echocardiography. Intracardiac echocardiography continues to have a role in interventional guidance with improved capabilities. The ultrasound machines and transducers continue to become more miniaturized and portable. This review summarizes recent developments in echocardiography, with current clinical applications, limitations and future directions.