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Vascular Ultrasound Imaging

Carotid Doppler Duplex Studies

Exam Duration: 45 minutes

Carotid Doppler Duplex Study is a noninvasive ultrasound examination that assesses the blood flow in the carotid arteries—the major vessels in the neck supplying blood to the brain. This exam is critical for detecting plaque buildup, narrowing (stenosis), or blockages.

Doppler Imaging technology is essential for measuring and imaging blood flow. Using multiple techniques, technologists can acquire the proper diagnostics in order for a Physician to diagnose and identify the patient’s condition

Physicians often recommend this study for patients if they feel there is a risk of stroke or noticeable signs of vascular diseases related to the carotid artery. Often times after such incidents of stroke, Physicians may recommend this ultrasound to examine the condition and recommend next steps.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam

Arterial Doppler Duplex Studies

Exam Duration: 45 minutes

An Arterial Doppler Duplex Study is a noninvasive ultrasound exam that evaluates blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs. It combines B-mode imaging (to visualize vessel structure) and Doppler technology (to measure blood speed and direction).

Physicians may refer to Arterial Ultrasound exam to for a variety of reasons. Oftentimes patients may have weakness or pain in the low extremity of the body, due to complications in the peripheral arteries. Screening via ultrasound imaging is one of the key ways to catch to disease and complications before conditions worsen, especially in cases where risk of heart disease is possible.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam.

Venous Doppler Duplex Studies

Exam Duration: 45 minutes

A Venous Doppler Duplex Study is a noninvasive ultrasound examination that evaluates blood flow in the veins, most commonly in the legs or arms. Like the other the doppler exams, it combines two technologies: B-mode imaging to visualize vein structure and Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow speed and direction.

A physician may recommend this study for a variety or reasons. Some reasons may be attributed abnormal swelling, bruising, or discoloration in different different parts of the body. Physicians may also use the study as a diagnostic for conditions related to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam.

Echocardiography

2D Echo Color Doppler

Exam Duration: 60 minutes

A 2D Echo Color Doppler is a noninvasive ultrasound examination of the heart. It combines two-dimensional imaging to visualize the heart's structure and color Doppler technology to assess blood flow through the chambers and valves. This exam is one of the most important diagnostic tools in cardiology.

The sonographer applies different techniques to image desired cross-sections of the heart as well as the flow of blood through the different chambers and vessels. These diagnostics are accomplished with special 2d imaging technology that allows for different cross-sectional views that can be obtained with the positioning of the transducer.

A physician may recommend this ultrasound to verify conditions related to the heart. Some reasonings may be to acquire diagnostics for heart disease, congenital heart defects, pericardial effusion, and many other conditions involving the heart.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal Ultrasound - Complete

Exam Duration: 60 minutes

A complete abdominal ultrasound examination is done to image the various tissues and organs located in the abdominal region. It is commonly used to evaluate structures such as the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, and major abdominal vessels. This exam method utilizes standard ultrasound imaging (B-mode) to take images of these various structures.

Due to the versatility of the exam, many physicians recommend a complete abdominal ultrasound exam for a variety of reasons ranging from abdominal pain to monitoring known cysts, tumors, or lesions within the abdomen. The complete exam gives holistic diagnostics, allowing physicians to base their diagnosis and treatments with a greater depth of knowledge about the patient and their health.

Pre-Exam Preparation:

  • Patients must fast for a period of 12 hours before an exam. This is necessary to make sure there is a reduction of gases, which creates optimal imaging conditions.
  • For this reason, it is recommended that these exams be done in the morning. Patients may drink water.
  • If the physician asks for diagnostics involving the bladder, the patient will be asked to come to the exam with a full bladder.
  • A full bladder allows for clear imaging of the bladder. It is recommended to drink 32 ounces (4 cups) of water one hour before the exam.
Abdominal Upper/Lower

Exam Duration: 30 minutes

A limited abdominal ultrasound focuses on a specific quadrant or organ system rather than the entire abdomen. This is often ordered to investigate localized pain or follow up on a specific finding.

  • Upper Abdomen (RUQ): Focuses on the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and right kidney. This is the most common limited exam, used primarily for gallstones or liver pain [web:146][web:148].
  • Lower Abdomen (RLQ/LLQ): Focuses on the appendix (RLQ) or palpable masses. Note that the intestines, which fill much of the lower abdomen, are not well-seen by ultrasound due to gas [web:149].

Pre-Exam Preparation: Preperation may vary based on the type of imaging needed by the referring physician. Our team will work closely with the referring physician to provide the patient the proper pre-exam preparation information.

Abdominal Aorta

Exam Duration: 30-45 minutes

An abdominal aorta ultrasound is a noninvasive ultrasound exam that focuses specifically on imaging the abdominal aorta. This exam uses standard ultrasound (B-mode) imaging to obtain measurements along the length of the aorta.

Physicians commonly recommend this exam to check the abdominal aorta size and evaluate for abnormal widening (aneurysm). It may also be used to assess nearby iliac artery segments when included in the protocol.

Pre-Exam Preparation:

  • 12 hours of fasting is required before the exam to reduce bowel gas and improve visibility of the aorta. Water is permitted.
  • Physician may ask for additional preparation.

Small Parts and Superficial Structures

Thyroid Ultrasound

Exam Duration: 30 minutes

A thyroid ultrasound is an imaging procedure used create real-time images of the thyroid gland in the front of the neck and the surrounding soft tissues. The technologist places gel on the neck and moves a small probe across the area to evaluate the size of the gland, look for nodules, and characterize any lumps or abnormal characteristics.

Common reasons a physician recommends a thyroid ultrasound include a new or enlarging neck lump, abnormal thyroid exam findings, follow-up of known thyroid nodules, and guidance for future procedures.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Exam Duration: 30-45 minutes

A pelvic ultrasound is done to image structures in the pelvis. Depending on the clinical question and the patient, it may be performed over the lower abdomen (transabdominal) and/or with a small internal probe (transvaginal) for more detailed views when appropriate. Using various imaging techniques, multiple views of pelvic organs and surrounding tissues can be acquired.

Physicians commonly order pelvic ultrasound to evaluate pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, suspected cysts or masses, fertility-related concerns, or to assess the uterus and ovaries.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Preparation varies by protocol. Our team will decide with the referring physician the proper pre-exam preparations needed for the patient.

Testicle/Scrotum

Exam Duration: 30 minutes

A testicle/scrotum ultrasound (scrotal ultrasound) is a noninvasive exam that images the testicles and surrounding scrotal structures.

Physicians may recommend this exam for scrotal or testicular pain, swelling, a palpable lump, injury, concern for infection/inflammation, or evaluation of blood flow when urgent conditions are suspected.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam.

Women's Health Diagnostics

Transvaginal Ultrasound

Exam Duration: 30 minutes

A transvaginal ultrasound is a pelvic ultrasound exam performed using a small, specially designed internal ultrasound probe to create detailed images of pelvic structures. It is commonly used to evaluate the uterus, endometrium (uterine lining), ovaries, and nearby pelvic tissues. The exam is not painful, but patients may feel slight discomfort. obtaining standard pelvic views and measurements, identifying cystic vs. solid findings, and documenting the location and size of structures.

Common reasons a physician may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound include pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, suspected ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids, infertility evaluation, and early pregnancy assessment when detailed pelvic imaging is needed.

Pre-Exam Preparation: It is required that the patient empty their bladder before the exam. Additional preparation is usually discussed between the referring physician and our team in order to prepare the prepare the patient for the exam.

Obstetric (OB) Ultrasound

Exam Duration: 45 minutes

An obstetric (OB) ultrasound is used during pregnancy to create real-time images of the developing baby and the pregnancy-related anatomy. Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the clinical question, the exam may be performed over the abdomen (transabdominal), and in early pregnancy it may also include a transvaginal approach for more detailed imaging.

The technologist documents anatomy and growth markers, checks fetal heart activity, and may assess pregnancy structures such as the placenta, amniotic fluid, and cervix when indicated. Image quality can depend on factors like fetal position and gestational age, so additional time or repeat views may be needed.

Physicians may recommend OB ultrasound for pregnancy dating, assessment of fetal growth and development, evaluation of bleeding or pain in pregnancy, checking placental location, or reviewing findings from prior tests.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Preparation varies by protocol. Our team will decide with the referring physician the proper pre-exam preparations needed for the patient.

Breast Ultrasound (Bilateral)

Exam Duration: 30 minutes

A bilateral breast ultrasound is a noninvasive exam that uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. The exam includes imaging of both breasts. It is commonly used as a targeted evaluation of a specific symptom (such as a lump or focal pain) and may also be used as an additional tool after a mammogram, particularly when further clarification is needed.

The exam includes scanning breast tissue, capturing standard image planes, and documenting the exact location and appearance of any findings. Accurate labeling (side, clock position, distance from the nipple) is important so the interpreting clinician can correlate results with physical exam findings and other imaging.

Physicians may recommend a bilateral breast ultrasound for a lump/cyst imaging, focal pain, breast swelling, nipple-related concerns, or a follow-up of a previously seen finding.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam

Miscellaneous

EKG

Exam Duration: 10-15 minutes

An electrocardiogram (also known as an EKG or ECG) is a simple, painless, and noninvasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. Every heartbeat is triggered by an electrical impulse, and this exam translates those impulses into a graph (tracing) that allows physicians to evaluate the heart's rhythm and strength [web:189][web:190].

Physicians typically recommend an EKG as an auxiliary diagnostic with other heart-related diagnostics. Due to the shorter exam time, and the helpful diagnostics that can be gathered, it is generally recommended. It is the primary tool for diagnosing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), checking for signs of a previous or current heart attack, and monitoring the effects of certain heart medications or pacemakers [web:189][web:197].

Pre-Exam Preparation: Unless stated otherwise by the referring physician, there is no necessary preparation the patient must do before the exam.