The role of the cardiac sonographer in the evaluation of the heart transplant recipient.
The sonographer should have a basic understanding of the indications, surgical technique, survival rate, electrocardiographic findings, chest radiographic findings, and complications for orthotopic cardiac transplantation. The sonographer should also have a thorough understanding of the normal echocardiographic and Doppler findings in these patients and the possible echocardiographic and Doppler findings during acute early rejection. This article has presented those findings in a review form to enable the sonographer to consult the information presented before the echocardiographic and cardiac Doppler examination is carried out. In addition, a sample echocardiographic and cardiac Doppler worksheet has been provided.
Reynolds
T
T
School of Cardiac Ultrasound, Arizona Heart Institute Foundation, Phoenix 85006.
Halfman-Franey
M
M
D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004452:Echocardiography; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006084:Graft Rejection; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis
D003524:Cyclosporins