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Brigham and Women's Hospital

Our Mission

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a top Harvard Medical School teaching hospital, is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals. Our innovations in virtually every area of clinical care, along with our history of breakthrough discoveries and medical firsts, have improved the health of people around the world.

Activity

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    How should I care for my incision after cardiac catheterization?
    The area where the catheter was inserted during cardiac catheterization may feel and look bruised. There will be a small hole in the skin that feels sore. Once the clear dressing falls off, you can wash this area with soap and water and leave the dressing off. You can cover the small hole...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What is computed tomography?
    Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What happens before a carotid artery duplex scan?
    A carotid artery duplex scan is a type of vascular ultrasound study done to assess the blood flow of the arteries that supply blood from the heart through the neck to the brain. Before the procedure:
    • Your physician will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any
    ...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What happens during a carotid artery duplex scan?
    A carotid artery duplex scan, a type of vascular ultrasound study done to assess the blood flow of the arteries that supply blood from the heart through the neck to the brain, may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    Why may I need a computed tomography (CT) scan of my chest?
    The chest contains organs of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as the esophagus (hollow tube of muscle extending from below the tongue to the stomach). A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure, may be performed to assess the...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    Why is a CT scan of the chest better than a chest x-ray?
    Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) of the chest, a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure, can provide more detailed information about organs and structures inside the chest than standard x-rays of the chest, thus providing more information related to injuries and/or diseases of the chest...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What are the risks of a computed tomography (CT) scan?
    You may want to ask your physician about the amount of radiation used during the computed tomography (CT) procedure, a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure, and the risks related to your particular situation. It is a good idea to keep a record of your past history of radiation exposure,...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What can interfere with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest?
    Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • metallic objects within the chest, such as surgical clips or a pacemaker
    ...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What happens before a computed tomography (CT scan) of the chest?
    Before a computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) of the chest, a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure:
    • Your physician will explain the chest CT procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
    • If your procedure involves the use of contrast dye, you
    ...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What is a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
    A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a test that allows the cardiologist to visualize the heart, its chambers, and valves by inserting a flexible tube down the esophagus (food pipe). The TEE will help the doctor evaluate whether there are any congenital heart defects, valvular defects,...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What is an echocardiogram with contrast?
    An ultrasound of the heart is called an "echocardiogram." It is done to get pictures of the heart and the areas around the heart. Better pictures are sometimes seen if a material called "contrast" is used during the ultrasound. The contrast can sometimes help see the different parts of ...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    Is an echocardiogram with contrast safe?
    An ultrasound of the heart is called an "echocardiogram." It is done to get pictures of the heart and the areas around the heart. Better pictures are sometimes seen if a material called "contrast" is used during the ultrasound. The contrast can sometimes help see the different parts of ...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What should I avoid doing after a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
    After a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) test -- a test that allows the cardiologist to visualize the heart, its chambers, and valves by inserting a flexible tube down the esophagus (food pipe) -- you will be instructed not to drive, drink alcohol, or make any important decisions for...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What should I do before transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)?
    To prepare for a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) -- a test that allows the cardiologist to visualize the heart, its chambers, and valves by inserting a flexible tube down the esophagus (food pipe) -- you should have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the test. You may...  Full Post
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:
    What will happen during a transesosphageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
    A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic procedure that uses echocardiography to assess the heart's function. Echocardiography is a procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound...  Full Post