There are several different types of echocardiograms, including the following: - Transthoracic echocardiogram: this is the most common type of echocardiogram, where the ultrasound technician places the transducer on your chest above your heart, which sends sound waves through the chest toward the heart. The echo or bounce-back creates a live image of your heart on the ultrasound monitor. - Transesophageal echocardiogram: this type of electrocardiogram is used when transthoracic echocardiograms do not produce clear enough images, or the doctor needs a clearer visualization of the back of your heart. This procedure is more invasive as it involves sliding a mini transducer down the patient’s throat through the mouth, while the patient is under local anesthesia. The transducer goes down through the esophagus and behind the heart to visualize the back of the heart. - Stress echocardiogram: this type of cardiogram follows the same procedure as a transthoracic echocardiogram but is conducted after you have exercised or taken medication that increases your heart rate. - Three-dimensional (3-D) echocardiogram: 3-D echocardiograms use transthoracic or transesophageal electrocardiography to create 3-D images of your heart at different angles. - Fetal echocardiogram: this type of echocardiogram is used on expectant mothers at some point between weeks 18 and 22 of their pregnancy. The technician places the transducer on the expectant mother’s abdomen to see if the fetus has any heart irregularities or issues.