Vascular ultrasound is an imaging tool for diagnosing and treating conditions of the body’s circulatory system. It is an invaluable cutting-edge technology that can monitor blood flow and detect blood clots. The Cardiovascular Institute, P.A, applies vascular ultrasound Tomball modalities for safe and noninvasive treatments.
How does vascular ultrasound work?
Vascular diagnosis is a process that monitors the body’s circulatory system for anomalies. Ultrasound generates high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the skin to the blood vessels. A hand-held transducer collects the waves as they bounce back.
A specialized computer application maps the sound waves to generate an image of the blood vessels. The system provides a real-time visual structure of your arteries and veins. The process is invaluable for detecting the movement of blood, which is often not possible with other techniques.
What are the medical applications of ultrasound imaging?
Angioplasty plaque ablation
Angioplasty is the process of unblocking plaque from the coronary arteries. Your doctor may recommend the procedure if there is a risk of heart disease. It restores blood flow to the heart without the need for surgery.
Ultrasound is a much safer approach to angioplasty than traditional methods that rely on x-rays. Ultrasound provides sharper images for guiding a catheter through the arteries. Since it is more precise than other conventional techniques, the procedure results in fewer incidences of injury or complications.
DVT (Deep vein thrombosis)
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition where blood clots develop in the blood vessels, especially in the legs. Ultrasound is one of the most reliable tests for identifying blood clots in the large veins in your limbs.
Ultrasound has an accuracy of 95% for identifying DVT. The process employs duplex ultrasound to detect the slightest blood flow abnormalities. Typically, no other test is necessary If the ultrasound returns a positive result.
Varicose veins treatment and diagnosis
Varicose veins describe a condition where blood vessels swell or enlarge, causing veins to appear below the skin’s surface. Doppler ultrasound can determine the presence and extent of varicose veins. A computer creates a virtual map of your leg veins.
Treatment for varicose veins also employs ultrasound imaging techniques to insert a solution to seal the blocked vein. Your provider will use ultrasound to precisely inject a needle into the affected area. The vein will collapse, allowing blood to flow through other blood vessels.
Monitoring treatment progress
Vascular ultrasound is also an invaluable tool for monitoring the progress of previous treatments. The sharp images can detect inflammation in the vein when you visit your doctor for a follow-up appointment.
Ultrasound detects aneurysms or the enlargement of blood vessels. Aneurysms are caused by weakened blood vessels that create a bulge. Since it generates real-time images, it can monitor blood flow to various organs and pinpoint such inconsistencies fast.
A decrease in blood flow could lead to organ damage resulting from an insufficient oxygen supply. Diminished blood flow may be severe and life-threatening. An increase could be a sign of an infection.
Contact Cardiovascular Institute, P.A. today to schedule a vascular ultrasound consultation.