Echocardiography is one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in cardiology, providing invaluable insight into cardiac structure and function. But behind each clear image is a sonographer who must often work in less-than-ideal conditions to capture the necessary views. The physical demands of the job—hours of repetitive scanning, awkward positioning, and the need to reach across patients—can take a serious toll on musculoskeletal health. Studies show that more than 80% of sonographers experience work-related pain or injury at some point in their careers.
One of the most effective ways to address these challenges is to rethink the equipment that supports both patients and clinicians. A specialized echocardiography table can help reduce strain, improve workflow, and ultimately lead to better imaging outcomes.
Oakworks Echocardiography Table was designed with this balance in mind: meeting the needs of patients while addressing the ergonomic realities of sonographers.
Sonographers face a unique set of physical stressors during echocardiography exams:
Over time, these challenges don’t just impact the sonographer’s well-being—they can also affect efficiency, exam quality, and patient comfort.
Each feature of the Oakworks Echocardiography Table is engineered to reduce barriers for sonographers while keeping patients secure and supported.
One of the most common frustrations in echocardiography is limited access to the imaging window. Standard exam tables often block the very area that needs to be reached, forcing sonographers into awkward postures.
The sliding electric cardio panel on the Oakworks table eliminates this obstacle. With the touch of a button, the panel slides out of the way, creating the space needed to achieve optimal transducer placement. Because it moves smoothly and electronically, sonographers don’t have to wrestle with heavy, manual adjustments during exams.
This feature not only reduces shoulder and back strain but also supports consistent imaging quality, since the sonographer can maintain a more natural scanning position.
Another challenge arises when patients need extra support during imaging, especially older adults or those with limited mobility. Without adequate table support, sonographers often find themselves compensating—either by holding patients in position or adjusting their own posture in ways that increase strain.
The access back support on the right side of the Oakworks Echocardiography Table addresses this issue directly. It provides patients with stable, comfortable support while still allowing the sonographer full access to the imaging area. By keeping the patient secure and properly aligned, the feature removes the need for workarounds and enables the clinician to focus solely on capturing accurate images.
Patient body types vary widely, and so does the physical demand of scanning. Without height adjustability, sonographers may find themselves stretching upward or leaning awkwardly downward to reach patients. Over time, this contributes significantly to shoulder, neck, and back injuries.
The electric hi/lo function of the Oakworks table provides smooth, precise height adjustment. Sonographers can bring the patient to the exact working level needed—reducing unnecessary strain while also improving efficiency between exams. Patients with mobility challenges also benefit from a lower entry height, which makes transfers safer and easier.
Certain echocardiography studies require specific patient positioning to optimize visualization of cardiac structures. Standard exam tables often limit the degree to which these positions can be safely achieved.
The Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg capabilities built into the Oakworks Echocardiography Table expand the range of patient positioning. With simple electronic controls, clinicians can adjust tilt angles quickly and precisely, ensuring both patient safety and optimal imaging conditions.
With cardiovascular disease affecting patients of all body types, it is essential for echocardiography equipment to accommodate bariatric populations. Standard tables often cap their weight limits at levels that exclude a portion of patients, creating logistical and clinical challenges.
The Oakworks Echocardiography Table is engineered with a 550 lb. weight capacity, ensuring safe and effective imaging for a broader patient population. This feature not only supports inclusivity but also reduces the need for workarounds or referrals when heavier patients require cardiac imaging.
When sonographers have the right equipment, the benefits extend beyond their own health and comfort. Improved ergonomics reduce fatigue, helping sonographers remain focused and precise throughout exams. With fewer physical barriers, they can also work more efficiently, reducing procedure time and improving throughput for the department.
Patients benefit as well. Adjustable features support safer transfers, enhanced comfort, and more accurate positioning. These small changes add up to a more positive care experience and more reliable diagnostic data for physicians.
Echocardiography plays a critical role in modern cardiology, but the demands of the exam often place sonographers at risk of injury. The right equipment can change that dynamic. By incorporating features like the sliding electric cardio panel, right-side access back support, electric hi/lo adjustment, Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positioning, and a 550 lb. weight capacity, the Oakworks Echocardiography Table addresses the real pain points of daily scanning.
The result is a better balance between clinician well-being and patient care—a win-win for healthcare teams seeking to maintain quality, safety, and efficiency in their cardiac imaging services.
CME is your go-to, one-stop-shop for Oakworks C-arm Imaging, Ultrasound, Exam, and Physical Therapy tables. We have a long-standing relationship with Oakworks and can work with you to find the best medical tables for your healthcare facility and staff.
Our Direct-to-Site delivery services assure your Oakworks equipment is delivered and installed when it is convenient for your facility. And, CME Biomedical Technicians will keep your medical equipment up and running with preventative annual maintenance, service, or repair.
About Oakworks: Oakworks offers a wide range of medical tables from C-arm Imaging, Ultrasound, Exam and Physical Therapy tables. They collaborate with leaders in the medical specialties to create cutting edge designs that balance the needs of both patients and practitioners.
Medical tables and chairs manufactured by Oakworks are FDA listed, ensuring the highest level of safety for your patients. They are built in a ISO13485 Certified plant to guarantee consistently high-quality products. Products are backed by a 3 year parts, 2 year labor warranty.
About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier specialty distributor of healthcare and life sciences equipment. We partner with over 2,000 manufacturers to offer more than 2 million products across healthcare, laboratory, pharmacy, and research sectors. In addition to an extensive product portfolio, we also offer project management, CAD design, warehousing, logistics, consolidated direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical and technical services, all staffed by CME employees. Our mission, to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment acquisition, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate, or expand on schedule, is supported by 25 service locations strategically located across the country.