Pediatric Heart Center

Echocardiography Imaging Program

When it comes to heart conditions in infants and children, we prefer to see what's going on inside the body without resorting to invasive techniques. That’s why the doctors at our Pediatric Echocardiography Imaging Program use echocardiograms (noninvasive tests in which sound waves create moving pictures of the heart) to ensure accurate diagnoses and devise treatment plans for a wide variety of pediatric heart conditions.

Every year, our pediatric cardiologists perform thousands of these tests, which are also called cardiac ultrasounds, cardiac Dopplers or "echoes." During the test, we place a small probe on your child's chest that generates high-frequency sound waves. Too high for humans to hear, the sound waves bounce off the heart and return to the probe, allowing us to generate moving images of the heart's blood flow and functional activity. Our goal is to conduct the test with as little stress and discomfort for your child as possible, so that we can make a plan and get your child well as quickly as possible.

If you're pregnant and looking for fetal cardiac imaging, you can find this service at our Fetal Cardiovascular Program, where doctors evaluate heart function in unborn babies from 12 weeks along to full term.

 

Our locations (20)

    We're moving to a new building in San Ramon

    Opening in September 2025

    Our pediatric clinics in San Ramon are temporarily closed while we relocate to a new building that will support our ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality pediatric care in the East Bay. Services will resume in September at 12677 Alcosta Blvd.

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Cardiology and Heart Surgery, 2024-2025

      Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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