3D-Echokardiografiegerät für Stiftung kinderherzen

The smaller a heart is that requires an operation, the more difficult the exact diagnosis beforehand. A 3D echocardiography machine for the new parent-child center (ELKI) at Bonn University Hospital is to help. The kinderherzen Foundation Bonn appealed for donations towards the €200,000 needed. “Precise imaging makes our work much easier - and this high-performance sonographic machine, enables hearts to be shown three-dimensionally in real time”, explained Breuer at the handover and added: “In the past, an ultrasonic probe consisted of one crystal which emitted and received sound waves. Today, an ultrasonic probe of the same size consists of more than 3,000 crystals. This means that pediatric cardiac surgeons can simulate the operating area on the computer before the actual operation.” Apart from that, the machine allows a less invasive diagnosis. Heart children are spared painful surgical interventions, catheters, anaesthesia and X-rays.

The Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation donated €30,000 towards the new acquisition.