Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnostic Ultrasound Service

At National Vascular Associates, we provide a wide selection of quality services including diagnostic ultrasounds. Diagnostic ultrasound offers insights that were once impossible without invasive procedures. If you're facing a vascular concern, or need comprehensive imaging, remember the importance of choosing a specialist who not only has the right technology but also the expertise to interpret the results accurately. Often, patients are unaware of the importance of this technology until faced with a vascular issue. Here, we'll explore how ultrasound works, how to prepare for it, what it can diagnose, and most importantly, how to interpret its results.

How Does Diagnostic Ultrasound Work?

Diagnostic ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a marvel of medical technology. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures within your body. These sound waves are transmitted from a device called a transducer, which is placed on your skin. As these waves travel through your body, they bounce back, or echo, when they hit different structures. The transducer collects these echoes, and a computer translates them into visual images. This process is completely non-invasive and doesn't use ionizing radiation, making it a safer alternative to X-rays and CT scans. The technology is sophisticated enough to capture live images, allowing doctors to see the movement of your body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through your blood vessels.

Steps And Tips To Prepare For Your Ultrasound

Preparing for an ultrasound is usually straightforward, but there are a few key steps you should follow to ensure the best results:

Follow Specific Instructions: Depending on the area being examined, you might need to fast for several hours beforehand or drink a lot of water to fill your bladder.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: You might need to remove clothing and wear a gown, so wear something easy to change out of.
Discuss Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you're taking, as some might need to be temporarily adjusted.
Relax: While ultrasound is painless, being relaxed can help in getting clearer images.

What Can Ultrasound Diagnose?

The versatility of ultrasound is remarkable. It's not just for pregnancy scans. In the field of vascular health, ultrasound plays a crucial role in diagnosing various conditions, such as:

Blood Clots: Ultrasound can help identify blockages or clots in your blood vessels.
Varicose Veins: It can assess the severity and underlying causes of varicose veins.
Aneurysms: Ultrasounds can detect abnormal enlargements in your arteries.
Carotid Artery Disease: It's instrumental in examining the carotid arteries in your neck.

Understanding Your Ultrasound Results

After your ultrasound, the next step is understanding the results. The images produced by the ultrasound are interpreted by a radiologist or a vascular doctor. They will look for abnormalities in the size, shape, and texture of tissues and organs. The flow of blood in your arteries and veins will also be analyzed to identify any potential issues. It's important to have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your results. They can explain what the findings mean in the context of your overall health and suggest the next steps, which might include further tests or treatments.

Are You Concerned About Your Vascular Health?

At National Vascular Associates, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, professional ultrasound services, combined with personalized care. Your health is our priority, and we are here to help every step of the way. For more information or to schedule an ultrasound, contact our office today.