To better diagnose and treat heart valve problems, physicians at Western Baptist are the first in Kentucky to use a new live 3D transesophageal echocardiogram probe.

Cardiologist James Gwinn, M.D., said the new probe provides remarkable views of the heart in motion, in real time.

“It gives unprecedented views of the heart,” said Dr. Gwinn. “We’re able to see much more than we could before.”

Transesophageal echocardiography lets doctors view the heart and heart valves through a small ultrasound scope lowered down the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and the stomach) so the ultrasound is directly behind the heart. Because the sound waves do not have as far to travel from the esophagus to the heart as they do from outside the chest to the heart, the valve pictures are clearer and diagnosis is more accurate than in previous two-dimensional echocardiography.
The probe’s views are especially useful before, during and after heart surgery when surgeons repair leaking valves or valve openings that have narrowed, restricting blood flow. 

According to the American Heart Association, about 5 million Americans are diagnosed each year with valve problems.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Robin Howe, M.D., said the benefits of the new probe are instantaneous.

“During surgery, this new technology gives us a much-improved picture immediately, before opening the heart,” said Dr. Howe. “We’re able to look at the valves so we know exactly where to operate and how to repair the damage.”

He said the new technology keeps Western Baptist on the cutting edge of heart surgery. “And that means better results for our patients,” Dr. Howe said.

Learn more about cardiac services by visiting westernbaptist.com/heart or phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918 to speak with a registered nurse.