Final answer:
The primary diagnostic modality in medicine is Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE), commonly referred to as a cardiac ultrasound or echo. TTE uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary diagnostic modality in medicine is Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE), commonly referred to as a cardiac ultrasound or echo. TTE uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function.
During a TTE, a transducer is placed on the chest, and sound waves are emitted and received by the transducer. These sound waves create real-time moving images of the heart.
TTE is commonly used to diagnose various heart conditions, such as heart valve abnormalities, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle diseases. It provides valuable information about the size, shape, and function of the heart.