A bubble echo is carried out if a patient is suspected to have:
- patent foramen ovale (a hole between the left and right upper chambers of the heart)
- atrial septal defect
No special preparation is required before a bubble echo.
The results of the test are sent to the referring doctor within 24-48 hours of completion. The doctor will discuss these results with you.
If the bubble moves from the right to the left, then it means there is the presence of a hole in the heart.
If not, then the bubble would be filtered by the lungs.
You may experience the following side effects from a bubble echo cardiogram:
- pain from the insertion of the IV line
- infection from the IV line
- thrombus formation (rare)
