The EchoHeart mission is to place this inexpensive, highly sensitive and accurate EchoHeart TV Probe in healthcare settings around the country to aid in detection of earlier fetal heart tones and provide peace of mind to women -- of all shapes and sizes.
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Unlike ultrasound, the EchoHeart does not provide the visual picture to provide instant location of the fetal heart. As with any new instrument there is a learning curve, but providers using the EchoHeart have found that once you have used it a few times, detecting the fetal heart becomes easier and easier.
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Performing a bimanual exam to determine uterine placement before using the EchoHeart is very helpful.
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Prepare the EchoHeart as you would a transvaginal probe with gel and sheath. Think of the EchoHeart probe as an extension to the bimanual exam, and aim anteriorly, posteriorly, or midline as appropriate.
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Scan slowly in all directions as you would an imaging probe.
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Keeping a hand on the abdomen to maintain a point of reference is often helpful.
As a new user to EchoHeart, you may find it helpful to begin with traditionally delayed abdominal detection rather than the very early detection. Most find FHT detection success quickly with obese or retroverted patients at 10 - 12 weeks, and then "work back" to 9, 8, and 7 week detections. As one continues to use the EchoHeart the FHT detection gets quicker and easier.
In clinical trials the EchoHeart detected the fetal heart tone in 71% of patients between 6 and 8 weeks gestation.
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"Having used the EchoHeart in my practice for two years, I have virtually 100% success in hearing the early fetal heart tone. It gives me and my patients an easy and convenient way to peace of mind." Peter Bippart, MD, Blackfoot, ID
"This is amazing! I used the Echoheart for the first time and heard the fetal heart tone easily at seven weeks! We find it extremely useful and it has saved our patients many unnecessary ultrasounds." Beth Hardiman, MD, Cambridge, MA
"My patient is 286 lbs and had a 12 week demise with her last pregnancy. She was very grateful for the positive FHT with the EchoHeart today." Lynne Frey, CNM, Rockport, ME
"I find the EchoHeart to be a very useful tool." Stephen Wagoner, MD York, ME
"I use the EchoHeart on my first prenatal exams all the time now." Arianna Stein, CNM, Cambridge, MA
"I had several patients with inaudible abdominal FHTs. EchoHeart saved the day." Thomas J. O'Connor, MD Rockport, ME
"This tool is a 'must' in any office. It has been amazing to give moms peace of mind by hearing their babies heartbeats for the first time - as early as eight weeks. My clients request me to use the EchoHeart. They are ecstatic to hear their baby's heartbeat. Prior to EchoHeart, we couldn't without ultrasound." Angela Ripley, CNM, MSN, Damariscotta, ME
"EchoHeart worked great! Loud, audible fetal heart - very easy!" Candance Keene, MD, Rockport, ME
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