Vascular Imaging

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES

Vascular imaging is a process to assess blood vessels but not the coronary arteries. A CT scan is required to assess coronary arteries in order to assess abnormal blood flow conditions. There are some technologies that we use to get blood vessel images; they are, CT or computed tomography, vascular ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. Port Charlotte Cardiology offers one of the best vascular imaging programs. Our program is suitable for any patient with a heart and vascular condition.

Vascular Imaging MRI Machine Port Charlotte FL

Why you might need vascular imaging?

Your doctor may suggest you vascular imaging to assess any heart condition like an aneurysm, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, blood clots, or inflammatory conditions. Any of these can impact the blood flow.

What are the vascular imaging methods?

There is actually a variety of vascular imaging methods. The one you need depends on your suspected condition. Each method is designed to assess a specific disease or blood vessel type.

Ultrasound

  1. Carotid duplex ultrasound
  2. Venous duplex ultrasound
  3. Arterial duplex ultrasound

MRI/CT

  1. MRI/CT of the aorta
  2. Peripheral MRI/CT angiography
  3. MRI/CT angiography of the renal arteries
  4. MRI/CT angiography of the mesenteric arteries
  5. Imaging of the veins for venous thrombosis
  6. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome
  7. Surgical planning

How does vascular imaging work?

Vascular imaging is a noninvasive test that finds out about the blood flow in veins and arteries. There is not any use of needles in this test.

Ultrasound which is a high-frequency sound wave is used in this process to get an idea of the blood flow amount in blood vessels. Vascular studies use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to measure the amount of blood flow in your blood vessels. Your skin is touched by a tiny transducer that is held in your hand. The sound waves travel to the blood arteries through your skin and other body tissues. The blood cells reflect the sound waves. Then, a computer receives these echoes, which are displayed on a screen as images or videos.

What happens during vascular imaging?

A vascular study typically proceeds as follows:

  • Any jewelry or other things that can obstruct the operation will need to be removed. If you use glasses, dentures, or a hearing aid, you may do so.
  • On the areas of your skin where the pulse is anticipated, a transparent gel will be applied.
  • Your skin will be touched and the Doppler probe will be moved over the location of the artery or vein being examined.
  • A “whoosh, whoosh” sound is produced when blood flow is found. In order to compare blood flow in various arteries or veins, the probe will be moved about.
  • Blood pressure cuffs will be used for leg arterial tests. They are attached to your leg in three separate locations: the thigh, calf, and ankle. The Doppler probe is positioned directly below the cuff to measure blood pressure.
  • Your calf’s cuff will be inflated, and your blood pressure will be measured.
  • Your ankle’s cuff will be inflated, and your blood pressure will be measured.
  • The arm that is on the same side as the leg that was previously examined is then examined for blood pressure. This is done to determine how much of the blood flow to your legs is impeded.
  • The gel will be removed from your skin after the process is finished.