Ultrasound Testing

What is a Vascular Ultrasound?

While many think of prenatal ultrasounds, doctors can use this technology to see inside the whole body. Cardiologists like Dr. Emrani, use vascular ultrasounds, non-invasive diagnostic tests which utilize high frequency sound waves to provide images of the blood flow in vessels such as the arteries and veins, to diagnose cardiovascular issues. Ultrasounds are used detect the location and severity of blockages in the blood vessels. Ultrasound may be used on its own or with additional diagnostic procedures. Throughout the vascular ultrasound, sound waves are conveyed through the tissues of the region being assessed. These sound waves reflect off blood cells flowing within the vessels. When the soundwave bounces back through the transducer, the physician can use the information to calculate their speed. The sound waves are logged and presented on a computer screen.

What are Some Common Ultrasound Tests?

A cardiologist may order a variety of ultrasound exams including:

• Arterial and venous ultrasound of the abdomen which assesses blood vessels and blood flow in the abdominal region. This is an important tool used to diagnose an abdominal aorta aneurysm.
• Carotid ultrasounds view the carotid artery in the neck.
• Duplex ultrasound of the extremities is usually employed to diagnose peripheral arterial disease, or PAD.
• Renal ultrasounds assess the kidneys and their blood vessels.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The patient will wear comfortable clothing and have a brief physical exam. Then he or she will lie down on an examination table and the technologist will guide the patient into the best position for the blood vessels to be seen. The technologist will spread a gel over the area being viewed to enhance the movement of the soundwaves through the body. An ultrasound probe, called a transducer, is guided over the area and as the waves travel through the soft tissue and bounce back to the transducer, images will appear on a video screen allowing Dr. Emrani to see any blockages and gauge their severity. It is possible that if the veins in the legs are being examined that the patient will be asked to walk on a treadmill to see if any exercise related changes occur. The procedure usually takes around an hour.