Non-Invasive Cardiology Services

The echocardiography laboratory at ZSFG is a modern imaging center that performs 5,000 transthoracic echocardiograms annually, in addition to transesophageal echocardiograms with or without electrical cardioversion.

4 experienced cardiac sonographers perform image acquisition and preliminary analysis of data. Studies are interpreted by the UCSF non-invasive cardiologist of the day who has advanced training and experience in cardiovascular imaging. Sithu Win, MD, MPH joined the ZSFG Division of Cardiology on 08/01/2018 as Echocardiography Laboratory Director and successfully implemented a contrast imaging protocol utilizing intravenous administration of sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres for better assessment of left ventricular wall motion and possible cardiac masses. Pilot studies of treadmill-stress and dobutamine-stress testing with echocardiogram imaging to boost access for ZSFG patients are in progress. Dr. Win’s special competence in adult echocardiography and comprehensive certification by the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) support his leadership in launching the Epic Cupid cardiovascular information system module on 08/03/2019 and processes required for imaging center recognition by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) in the future.

The treadmill laboratory at ZSFG is a modern facility adjacent to the echocardiography laboratory, where physician oversight is immediately available. Experienced treadmill technicians perform 1,000 studies annually on individuals referred by the emergency department, inpatient services, San Francisco Health Network clinics, and consortium ambulatory care centers. Abnormal results are communicated promptly to the referring teams. Patients with potentially lethal responses to exercise are admitted to the hospital for expedited invasive testing. The arrhythmia laboratory at ZSFG uses a Zio XT patch monitor system from iRhythm Technologies for 14-day recordings of heart rhythms in patients referred because of palpitations, known supraventricular arrhythmias, and risk for potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias or heart block. More than 1,500 Zio studies are performed each year. Simple heart rhythm disorders are treated by ZSFG faculty, whereas complex arrhythmias are referred to UCSF Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinic.