Ultrasound or sonography is a way of obtaining internal images of the human body using high frequency sound waves to define anatomy in much the same way as sonar shows underwater structures. The echoes from the transmitted sound waves are captured and converted into a real-time, visual image. These real time images allow radiologists and sonographers to see movement of tissues and organs, as well as demonstrate blood flow and heart rate.

Ultrasound is a painless procedure and produces very precise images of soft tissue. Because there are no known biological effects of ultrasound, we can also examine the health and well being of the unborn fetus quite effectively.

Ultrasound is excellent for examining solid organs and fluid filled structures such as kidneys, gallbladder and liver. Color flow doppler imaging is also a powerful tool for evaluating blood vessels and blood flow in various structures.

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular Ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool used in the diagnosis and detection of blood vessel problems. Ultrasound is also used to detect heart problems. Ultrasound uses sound wave frequencies too high to be heard by humans as a safe and harmless method to diagnose many medical conditions.

A hypoallergenic water-based gel is applied to the area to be evaluated, then a small microphone-like device called a transducer is passed over the gel coated area to be examined, which produces an image on the screen of the ultrasound machine. Ultrasound is also used to measure the blood flow in specific blood vessels. Noises might be heard while the technologist listens to the blood flow. Upon completion of the exam, a physician reviews and interprets all of the images and blood flow measurements.

Ultrasound imaging of the body's veins and arteries can help the radiologist see and evaluate blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries. With knowledge about the arterial blood flow gained from an ultrasound image, the radiologist can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure like angioplasty. Ultrasound images may also be used to plan or review the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels. Ultrasound of the veins may reveal blood clots that require treatment, such as anticoagulant therapy (blood thinner), or filters to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs. Ultrasound of the vascular system also provides a fast, non-invasive means of identifying blockages of blood flow in the neck arteries to the brain.

Carotid Duplex
Ultrasound is used to evaluate the carotid arteries located in the neck that feed the brain with blood. Gel will be applied to the skin of the neck. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and evaluate and listen to the blood flow in the arteries.

Venous Duplex
Ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins that carry blood to the heart from the legs or arms. Gel will be applied to the skin of the legs or arms. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and evaluate flow in the veins.

Arterial Duplex
Ultrasound is used to evaluate the arteries that feed the arms and legs with blood. Gel will be applied to the skin of the legs or arms. A transducer will be placed on the gel covered areas to obtain images and listen to the blood flow in the arms or legs.

Arterial Pressures and Waveforms:
Ultrasound and blood pressure cuffs are used to evaluate the arteries that supply the arms and legs with blood. Several blood pressure cuffs will be placed at different segments of your legs or arms. When inflated, the cuffs will provide blood pressure readings as well as waveforms. This test will locate areas of blockage within the arteries.