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What is Vascular Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound (US) or sonography involves the sending of sound waves through a blood vessel. Those sound waves are reflected off the blood vessel. The reflections are then interpreted by special instruments that create a beautiful image of the blood vessel. No ionizing radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging.
A US image is a useful way of evaluating the body's circulatory system. US images are captured in real-time, so they can help radiologists monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body, as well as evaluate the placement and success of repair if it is needed. With US images, radiologists can locate and identify obstructions and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque, or emboli, and plan for their effective treatment.
For the purposes of this study, the ultrasound will be taking an image of the brachial artery in your (upper) arm.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your US exam. No other preparation is required. You will be asked to lie quietly for about 20-30 minutes while an image is taken of the blood vessel in your arm.
What does the equipment look like?
The equipment consists of a transducer and a monitoring system. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone. The sonographer spreads a lubricating gel on the area being examined, and then presses this device firmly against the skin.
The US image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The sonographer watches this screen during an examination; often, the patient is able to see it as well. Blood flow also produces sound which can be heard with Doppler Ultrasound, much like the beating of your heart. You may also hear the sounds.
How is the procedure performed?
The patient is positioned on an examination table that can tilt and move. A clear gel is applied to the area that will be examined. 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 sonographer then presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest, reviewing the images on the monitor and capturing "snapshots" as required.
An example of the ultrasound equipment is shown at right.
What will I experience during the procedure?
Most ultrasound studies are fast, pain-free, and easy. You will lie on your back on an examining table that may be tilted or moved to provide access to the area that will be imaged. The sonographer or doctor will spread some gel on your skin and then press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. Most exams take less than 30 minutes.
For this study, in addition to the equipment mentioned above, a blood pressure cuff will be applied to an arm and inflated for 5 minutes so that the transducer can monitor blood vessels as the cuff is released.
Source: Radiological Society of North America's Radiology Info website (http://www.radiologyinfo.org) 2003.
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For more information, contact:
marguerite.engler@nursing.ucsf.edu
Version 1.7 · 17 Jan. 2006