Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive ultrasound procedure used to assess the heart.

During the procedure, a transducer sends out sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard by the human ears. The sound waves move through the skin and tissues to the heart, where the waves bounce or “echo” off of the heart structures. These sound waves are sent back to the ultrasound machine that then create a moving image of the heart muscle as well as the interior of the heart.

Echocardiogram plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and valvular disease.

Description:

There are several types of echocardiograms. The most common exam is a transthoracic echocardiogram, where the sonographer places the probe on your chest and directs the soundwaves toward your heart. Other echocardiograms may be ordered based on the type of information the Doctor is requesting.

Preparation:

Typically no preparation is needed for a transthoracic echocardiogram.  A gown is needed to gain access to your chest wall and you can expect a gel to be used on your skin.

Typical Procedure Time: 60 minutes

Conditions treated:

Echocardiograms are typically ordered when the following indications are present:

• Family history of heart, valvular, or coronary artery disease
• Cardiac murmurs and/or arrythmias
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Chest pain/pressure
• Pre op clearance
• Stoke or stroke like symptoms
• Heart attacks
• History of heart surgery

What are the risks of an echocardiogram? This imaging procedure is not invasive and carries little to no risks. You may have discomfort from the positioning of the transducer because it can put pressure on the surface of the body.

Thyroid Exam

Your physician may order a thyroid ultrasound which uses sound waves to produce pictures of the thyroid gland in the neck. The exam does not use radiation and is commonly used to evaluate lumps or nodules found during a routine physical or other imaging exam.

Description:

An ultrasound of the thyroid produces pictures of the thyroid gland and any structures in the neck. The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck just above the collar bones.

Preparation:

This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.

Conditions treated:

Thyroid Ultrasound exams will give you information as to the general size of your thyroid gland, it will determine if you have any masses and it will help you determine if you have any nodules. Thyroid ultrasound can also pick up inflammation or signs of an early infection which can help guide and direct treatment.

Pelvic (non-OB)

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images that are used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Description:

Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasonic waves at a frequency too high to be heard. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the skin, and the ultrasound waves move through the body to the organs and structures and when the waves bounce off the organs and return to the transducer they produce a live image on the ultrasound machine.

Preparation:

Drink a minimum of 24 ounces of clear fluid at least one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder until after the exam.

Generally, no fasting or sedation is required for a pelvic ultrasound, unless the ultrasound is part of another procedure that requires anesthesia.

For a transvaginal ultrasound, you should empty your bladder right before the procedure.

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.

Conditions Treated:

Pelvic ultrasound may be used for measurement and evaluation of female pelvic organs. Ultrasound assessment of the pelvis may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries
• Length and thickness of the cervix
• Blood flow through pelvic organs
• Abnormalities in the anatomic structure of the uterus, including endometrial conditions
• Masses, cysts, and other types of tumors within the pelvis as well as inflammation and infection
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Infertility evaluation
• Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy as well as fetal conditions

Carotid Exam

A carotid ultrasound exam is a non-invasive, painless ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the neck arteries.

Description:

The carotid arteries, neck vessels which supply blood to the brain, are examined with ultrasound to look for plaque and to assess whether this plaque is interfering with blood flow to the brain. As the artery narrows, the velocity of the blood flow increases; ultrasound allows us to measure the speed of the blood flow in order to estimate the degree of blockage.

Preparation:

No special preparation is required; you may be asked to put on a gown so that the transparent acoustic gel does not get on your clothing.

Conditions:

Your doctor may order a carotid ultrasound if a blockage is suspected based on listening to your neck or based on your cardiovascular risk profile. This test should also be performed if you have had a stroke or a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).

Vascular Exam of Arms or Legs

Vascular ultrasounds are exams that check the blood flow in your arteries and veins. These tests are noninvasive.

Common vascular exams that your physician may order include: Arm and Leg Arterial and Venous Studies, Venous Doppler Studies, Arterial Doppler Studies, and Pulse Volume Recordings.

Description:

Vascular studies use high-frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flow in your vessels. A small handheld transducer is pressed against your skin. The sound waves move through your skin to the blood vessels. These sound waves are reflected back to the transducer and are converted into images on the ultrasound machine.

Preparation:

Generally, you don’t need to prepare for a vascular study. Your doctor may give you specific instructions about smoking and caffeine.

Conditions treated:

Your physician may order a vascular ultrasound for these indications:

• A slow clogging of the arteries.
• An enlargement of part of the heart muscle, or of the body’s main artery.
• Thrombus or embolus. A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel is a thrombus. An embolus is a small mass that moves through blood vessels to another part of the body, but gets stuck in a vessel.
• Inflammatory conditions. Swelling in a blood vessel may occur because of an injury or an irritating medicine that gets into the vessel. It can also be caused by infection or an autoimmune disorder.
• Varicose veins. Large, bulging veins in the leg.

Symptoms that may occur when blood flow is decreased to your legs:

• Leg pain, swelling, or weakness
• Soreness, tenderness, redness, or warmth on the leg
• Pale and cool skin, may even be a grayish or blue color
• Numbness or tingling

Abdominal Exam

An abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen. This includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta.

Description:

Abdominal Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the skin, and the ultrasound waves move through the body.  When the sound waves bounce off the organs and return to the transducer they create an image on the ultrasound machine.

Preparation:

For an A.M. appointment, fat free dinner the evening before. Nothing to eat or drink from midnight until after the examination. For a P.M. appointment, clear liquid breakfast (no milk) before 9 A.M. Nothing to eat or drink after breakfast.

You may take your medications with a small amount of water.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

Conditions:

Abdominal ultrasound may be used to assess the size and location of abdominal organs and structures. It can also be used to check the abdomen for conditions such as:

• Cysts, tumors
• Collection of pus and/or fluid
• Obstructions
• Blockages in blood vessels
• Infection
• The size of the abdominal aorta can be measured by ultrasound in order to detect an aortic aneurysm. Stones in the gallbladder, kidneys, and ureters may be detected by ultrasound.

Abdominal ultrasound may also be used to assess the blood flow of various structures within the abdomen.

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend an abdominal ultrasound.