Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an imaging modality that utilizes sound waves to
produce images of various organs, body parts and vessels, as well as the
growing fetus. Ultrasound is typically painless and aids in the diagnosis
of medical conditions.
Little Company of Mary
offers abdominal, small parts, vascular, pediatric, pelvic and OB ultrasound
examinations. We offer the latest advancements in ultrasound including
three- and four- dimensional (3D and 4D) imaging,
Our ultrasound
services are provided by highly skilled, compassionate technologists under the
direction of a radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and
interpret ultrasound results. Patient privacy and comfort are the ultimate
goal of our technologists.
Upon completion of
your ultrasound exam, your images will be reviewed and interpreted by a
radiologist who will forward an official report to your physician, usually
within 24 hours.
What is Vascular Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, uses
high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Although this type of imaging is often
found in Radiology or Diagnostic Imaging, this type of imaging does not use
radiation or X-rays. Because
ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and
movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood
vessels.
Ultrasound imaging is usually a painless
medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions such as
cardiovascular disease by looking at the body veins and
arteries.
A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a
vascular ultrasound examination.
This type of test is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood
as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and
veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
What are some common uses of the
procedure?
Sonography is a useful way of evaluating the
body's circulatory system. Vascular
ultrasound is performed to:
-
help monitor the blood flow to organs and
tissues throughout the body.
-
locate and identify blockages and abnormalities like blood clots,
helping your doctor plan for effective treatment.
-
determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such
as
angioplasty, a procedure that opens up a blocked artery, increasing
bloodflow.
-
a plan to evaluate the success of a
surgical procedures that bypass blood vessels.
Doppler ultrasound images can help the
physician to see and evaluate:
During the
test
-
a small device called a transducer is placed over the gel-coated area
to be examined. The transducer
produces images on the ultrasound screen.
Thetransducer is held in place until the blood flow information has been
recorded.
-
there is virtually no discomfort during the test. You may hear noises when
the technologist listens
to the blood flow and records measurements.
-
your ultrasound test is
performed by specially trained
technologists.
-
a radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and
interpret radiology examinations will analyze the images and send a signed
reportto your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results
withyou.
To schedule an
appointment:
Please call
708.499.8550 to schedule an appointment.
