Clinical specialtyEfficient scanning of the fetal heart has long been established as a difficult procedure, owing to the small size of the fetal heart, rapidity of heartbeats and location within a difficult to scan area within the mother's body. Modern ultrasound technologies are unlocking new ways to visualise and scan the fetal heart, paving the way for better patient care, both for mothers and children.
Why is scanning the fetal heart important?
A healthy fetal heart is crucial for sustaining healthy fetal development throughout pregnancy. Early scans of the fetal heart can provide indicators of potential problems or abnormalities. Fetal heart scans allow healthcare professionals to monitor the health of the developing fetus, beginning roughly around the end of the first trimester via ultrasound.
Key to any ultrasound scan is an analysis of the fetal heart rate. This can provide valuable information about the well-being of the fetus, including its oxygen supply and overall health. Abnormalities in fetal heart rate or rhythm can indicate potential problems, such as fetal distress or congenital heart defects, which may require medical intervention.
As well as identifying issues, early fetal heart scans can help prevent unnecessary treatments or even surgery. If performed correctly and with correct and applicable equipment, ultrasound can alleviate concerns and reduce the chances of misdiagnosis. Beyond treatment and identification of issues, fetal heart scans are also an important tool for building a relationship between mother and child, and offer a platform for medical professionals to include patients in procedures and pregnancy stages.
Above all else, scanning the fetal heart is an important tool for ensuring the health and well-being of the fetus and the mother.
Challenges scanning fetal Heart
Scanning the fetal heart can present a challenge for a number of reasons. One of the most significant is that the position of the fetus may not always be optimal for effective imaging. The fetus also moves throughout pregnancy, which, combined with the small size of the fetus and fetal heart, makes obtaining accurate images challenging. Sudden movements of the fetus or mother can cause the fetus to shift position, making it difficult to maintain a steady image.
In addition, it's important to note that fetal scans involve two individuals - the fetus and the mother. This adds a new set of variables from the maternal side, with factors such as weight, overall health, and abdominal fat distribution adding to image complexity.
Further considerations are the capabilities of available ultrasound technology and the expertise and ability of medical professionals. Ultrasound technology has steadily evolved, but limitations such as poor image quality, low frame rates or sub-standard resolutions can impact the accuracy of fetal scans. Even with the latest in ultrasound technologies, such as FetalHS within Voluson Expert 22, sonographers should keenly understand the why and what behind all features to maximise imaging technology's potential.
Modern guided workflows and AI-driven imaging techniques and analysis are opening the door to more efficient and accurate fetal scanning techniques. Through education and the sharing of knowledge, uptake of these newer technologies can drive better patient and professional experience and minimise complexity.
Ultrasound’s Role in Fetal Heart Scanning
Ultrasound technology has transformed how fetal heart scans are performed. High-frequency sound waves produce images of the fetal heart and surrounding structures, giving medical professionals visual data for health assessments. As ultrasound technology has evolved over time, the quality of available imaging and features has also improved. Modern ultrasound products, specifically those designed for obstetric and gynaecological imaging, such as Voluson Expert 22, feature capabilities designed to improve fetal heart scan quality.
High-resolution imaging, 3D and 4D imaging and the eM6C, the unique electronic volume probe, provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the fetal heart. The heart itself and surrounding structures can be imaged and modelled accurately and quickly, helping eliminate complexity and providing real-time visual data.
Fetal heart rate can be monitored via real-time imaging and blood flow analysis via Doppler ultrasonography. For monitoring the fetal heart, both of these technologies both simplify and enhance the scanning experience. The addition of real-time imaging is also a useful tool for sonographers to include the mother in the process, aiding in alleviating stress and concern and creating a more comfortable patient experience.
It is no exaggeration to suggest that the evolution of ultrasound technologies has revolutionised the field of fetal care and gynaecology.
More detailed imaging can eliminate the chances of misdiagnosis and make it easier to identify markers and abnormalities. For fetal development and the mother's well-being, providing early pregnancy clarity regarding the health of a developing fetus can lay the foundations for a healthy and well-informed pregnancy.
JB01141AFG
