Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Overview
A contrast or bubble echocardiogram is a painless scan using ultrasound to produce pictures of your heart. You will receive an injection of a contrast medium (dye or agitated saline) through a vein which does not stay in your body for more than a few minutes. This is done to help see your heart more clearly and to either assess how strong your heart is pumping, look for blood clots or to see if any bubbles cross from the right to left of your heart. The person performing the scan is a Cardiac Physiologist, who may be male or female and usually not a doctor. Sometimes a doctor or a nurse may also be present. You will be able to go home after your scan and return to your normal activities.
Before your Test
You do not need to fast. You may eat and drink as normal.
Take your medications as prescribed unless told otherwise.
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove from the upper body.
After the test
You can return to your normal activities immediately.
A report will be made available on the system for your referring doctor. The official report will also be available on your MyFrimleyHealth App within 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the results with you at your next appointment.
Contact Details
If you have any questions about your appointment, or if you need to cancel or rearrange: Telephone: 0300 615 5796 0300 615 4680 Office hours: 08:00 to 16:00. If you are unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment slot to another patient.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cardiology service.
About this information
Service:
Cardiology
Reference:
C/042
Approval date:
9 January 2025
Review date:
9 January 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.