WESTFIELD — AHN Westfield Memorial has acquired a new Philips Elite ultrasound machine that can perform ECHO studies for both inpatients and outpatients.

This new technology enables the hospital to expand the number of days each month it can perform the scans to five days a week. Its advanced capabilities also enhances the quality of the scans and enables Westfield Memorial Hospital to perform all routine ultrasound studies.

An ECHO study is an ultrasound of the heart that allows physicians to look at the heart’s valves and chambers and determine how well the heart is pumping blood. This test is also useful for detecting a small hole between heart chambers called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which can elevate a patient’s stroke risk. The test can also identify clots the heart chambers that may need to be treated.

“Prior to obtaining this new technology, WMH was only able to perform ECHO exams five days a month. “ said Rodney J Buchanan, Westfield Memorial Hospital administrator. “More patients needing an ECHO will now be able to receive that care close to home, and that is the focus of AHN’s mission in every community we serve.”