As an experienced radiologist who has seen his fair share of
interesting medical cases, Sim Hoffman fully understands just how
important it is to successfully evaluate the heart development of
fetuses. Discovering certain conditions early on can save lives and
create the possibility of long term health.
Fetal Heart Abnormalities
In about 0.4%-1.1% of live births the doctors find some kind of heart abnormality. These problems are unfortunately leading causes of high infant mortality rates. Congenital heart defects are often hard to see, despite the consistent medical imaging efforts that try to discover preexisting conditions. An accurate and early diagnosis is extremely important because it allows the doctors to prepare for various scenarios. However, there are certain obstacles that make the imaging process challenging.
Heart size, High heart rate, Movement and Position
In the early stages of pregnancy, the size of a fetus’ heart is very tiny, often only 2 centimeters (not even an inch in its diameter). Furthermore, it beats extremely fast. A fetus’s healthy heart rate varies depending on its age, but it can be as high as 180, which makes the imaging process even harder.
Then there are factors like the movement of the fetus and its position, all having a huge impact on the quality of the images.
4D is the future
4D imaging technologies are currently revolutionizing the field, making the early evaluation of fetuses - with special emphasis on the condition and development of their heart – quicker and more accurate. As an expert radiologist with a private practice, Sim Hoffman likes to take advantage of the latest technologies.
Sources: http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/fruit-womb/importance-fetal-heart-evaluation
Fetal Heart Abnormalities In about 0.4%-1.1% of live births the doctors find some kind of heart abnormality. These problems are unfortunately leading causes of high infant mortality rates. Congenital heart defects are often hard to see, despite the consistent medical imaging efforts that try to discover preexisting conditions. An accurate and early diagnosis is extremely important because it allows the doctors to prepare for various scenarios. However, there are certain obstacles that make the imaging process challenging.
Heart size, High heart rate, Movement and Position
In the early stages of pregnancy, the size of a fetus’ heart is very tiny, often only 2 centimeters (not even an inch in its diameter). Furthermore, it beats extremely fast. A fetus’s healthy heart rate varies depending on its age, but it can be as high as 180, which makes the imaging process even harder.
Then there are factors like the movement of the fetus and its position, all having a huge impact on the quality of the images.
4D is the future
4D imaging technologies are currently revolutionizing the field, making the early evaluation of fetuses - with special emphasis on the condition and development of their heart – quicker and more accurate. As an expert radiologist with a private practice, Sim Hoffman likes to take advantage of the latest technologies.
Sources: http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/fruit-womb/importance-fetal-heart-evaluation
