What is Vascular Imaging?

Vascular imaging is an ultrasonic method use to evaluate the body's circulatory system. It involves the sending of sound waves through the body. The sound waves are reflected off the internal organs and blood vessels. The echo patterns are interpreted by special instruments to subsequently create an image. Images are captured in real-time to help radiologists monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body.

 

Common uses of Vascular Imaging

Ultrasound imaging is used to visualize the veins and arteries of the body in order to help radiologists locate and identify blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries. With the knowledge gained from vascular imaging about the arterial blood flow, the radiologist can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure like angioplasty. These images can also be used in the post-operative evaluation of the placement and success of a vascular repair, such as after arterial bypass surgery.

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 (embolism). In addition, ultrasound imaging of the vascular system provides a fast, non-invasive means of identifying blockages of blood flow in the neck arteries (carotids) to the brain that might produce a stroke or mini-stroke.

How does it work?

Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles involved in the sonar used by ships at sea. Controlled sound waves bounce against objects and the echo pattern is used to identify how far away the object is, how large it is, its shape and its internal consistency (fluid, solid or mixed). As the sound waves echo from the body's fluids and tissues, the sensitive “transducer” detects tiny changes in the sound's pitch and direction. These signature waves are instantly measured and displayed by a computer, which in turn creates a real-time picture on the monitor. The live images of the examination can be recorded for the radiologist to view in natural motion. In addition, still frame pictures may also be captured. Blood flow changes the pitch of the sound beam; this “Doppler” effect can be heard and recorded on the image as color and displayed graphically.

Patient Comfort

Most ultrasound studies are fast and easy. You will be asked to lie down on a padded table and a warm liquid gel will be spread on your skin above the area which is to be examined. The technologist will move a device called a "transducer" slowly over your skin and an image will appear on the monitor. The gel helps the transducer make a secure contact and eliminates air pockets between the transducer and the skin, since the sound waves cannot penetrate air. The vascular technologist or radiologist presses the transducer against the skin and sweeps along the area of interest, reviewing the images on the monitor.

The exam is completely painless. It is important that you remain as still as possible to ensure clear images. When the examination is complete, you may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. Most exams take less than 30 minutes; however, more complicated examinations may take somewhat longer.

Preparation

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam, otherwise you may be asked to change into a comfortable robe. If your abdominal vessels are being examined, you will need to fast before the procedure. No other preparation is required.

After the test

Patients are able to return to normal activities immediately following the exam.

Results

At Lifescape Imaging - Cypress, we have a radiologist / cardiologist on site for your exam to be interpreted promptly. All of our radiologists are Board Certified by the American College of Radiology. The results will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to your referring physician. Your referring physician will share the results with you.