Bubble Study Agitated Saline

A bubble saline contrast echocardiogram can help to diagnose a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or an atrial septal defect (ASD). This is a congenital defect where the valve separating the left and right heart chambers (atrial septums) stays open after birth. It's commonly known as a hole in the heart. Normally, the valve should close spontaneously.

During the test, salt water (saline) bubbles are injected into the blood stream and a cardio consultant watches on screen as they flow into the heart. A normal heart should retain the bubbles within the right-hand chamber (atrium), but if the bubbles leak into the left hand side, it indicates that the valve is still open.