Diagnostic Ultrasound
Ultrasound Testing
Diagnostic ultrasound is the use of sound waves to visually examine the heart and other components and structures of the circulatory system. There are two common types of ultrasound testing: non-intrusive and intrusive.
Echocardiogram
(Non-Intrusive)
The standard cardiac ultrasound test, known as an echocardiogram or echo, is a non-intrusive test in which the sonographer positions a transducer probe against your chest and captures dozens of pictures and videos of your heart. Then, the “reading physician” reviews these materials to document the condition of the chambers, valves, and throughput of the heart and surrounding structures.
Sometimes, echocardiography is combined with exercise in order to examine the heart and its motion when it is beating faster. This type of test is called a Stress Echo. Such tests can allow the reading physician to understand events that occur only when your heart is under strain.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (Intrusive)
The standard cardiac ultrasound test, known as an echocardiogram or echo, is a non-intrusive test in which the sonographer positions a transducer probe against your chest and captures dozens of pictures and videos of your heart. Then, the “reading physician” reviews these materials to document the condition of the chambers, valves and throughput of the heart and surrounding structures.
Sometimes, echocardiography is combined with exercise in order to examine the heart and its motion when it is beating faster. This type of test is called a Stress Echo. Such tests can allow the reading physician to understand events that occur only when your heart is under strain.
Vascular Ultrasound (Non-Intrusive)
Vascular testing (sometimes referred to as a “Doppler Study”) is the examination of blood circulation and structures of the arteries and veins of the body in areas other than the heart such as the arms, legs, stomach, neck, etc.
A vascular ultrasound examination can detect blockages in the blood vessels as well as blood clots and other problems. As with cardiac ultrasound, both pictures and videos of blood flow in various blood vessels are captured for analysis.
Vascular testing is a non-intrusive and painless test. It may be used to check for or to rule out, many types of problems with blood circulation. For example, vascular ultrasound is commonly used in the diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that can form in the interior veins of the leg or thigh causing tell-tale symptoms such as pain, swelling or warm spots.
Zambito Heart Center provides a full array of cardiac and vascular ultrasound testing for a complete assessment of the circulatory system.
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
Uses sound-waves to create moving images of your heart and blood vessels – as they function. It shows how the chambers, valves, and muscles of the heart are working. This test is commonly referred to as a cardiac ultrasound or simply an “echo”.
Vascular Testing / Screening
Vascular testing sometimes referred to as “vascular screening”, is a series of tests that examine various parts of your circulatory system to confirm a diagnosis of, or check your potential to develop vascular disease. Vascular testing is non-invasive and pain-free.
The primary technology used in vascular testing is ultrasound, sometimes referred to as a Doppler study. A wand, known as a transducer is placed on various parts of your anatomy to observe blood flow and volume. The most common locations checked during vascular studies are the carotid artery, the arms and legs, and the abdomen. Studies can be arterial, venous, or both.
Vascular testing can be instrumental in diagnosing vascular diseases even in their early stages, which can provide you with the best possible treatment options.
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