Our team at Cypress Diagnostic Imaging is focused on providing high quality diagnostic imaging and Early Detection Cardiovascular screenings. Our studies are read by local, Board Certified Cardiologists and study results are typically provided back to your doctor within 24 to 48 hours.
Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses an instrument called a transducer that emits high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to human ears, and records the echoes as the sound waves bounce back to determine the size, shape, and consistency of soft tissues and organs. This information is relayed in real time to produce images on a computer screen. Ultrasound sonographers, have special training in how to perform the test. Then a cardiologist or a radiologist will interpret the ultrasound images and the report will be sent to your doctor.
You will be directed to a quiet room for the exam. With all of our ultrasound exams, gel will be applied to the area of interest. The sonographer will begin to acquire ultrasound images and audio recordings by precisely moving the transducer around. The sonographer will be viewing these images on a monitor and will take various recordings at several different locations. The sonographer will press the transducer against your skin and this pressure may be moderate at times to facilitate the transmission of ultrasound waves.
There is not much preparation when coming in for an ultrasound exam. Eat, drink, and take your medications, if any, unless your doctor specifies otherwise. The only exam that we ask you for fast 4 hours before coming in is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound.
The procedure begins with the patient lying down on the examination table as a water based gel is applied to the area on the body that will be observed. The transducer is kept firmly against the skin and is swept back and forth across the area to allow for the most detailed observation possible.
Ultrasound is considered a safe, effective, and painless procedure that can be used for a wide range of diagnostic purposes. There is no ionizing radiation used during the exam. Ultrasound imaging is considered safe for all patients, there are no known risks.
Measurement of carotid intimal-media thickness (CIMT or IMT) is one of the best methods for detecting the early stages of vascular disease. CIMT measures the buildup of the atherosclerosis that starts in the arterial wall. Detected early, the progression of atherosclerosis in the arterial wall can be arrested and reversed with proper treatment that may include diet and lifestyle changes by the patient as well as possible pharmacological intervention.
Scanning of the carotid arteries is performed by a trained technician using a state-of-the-art GE medical device. A video recording is taken of the carotid arteries, uploaded to our Heart Smart server, and reviewed frame by frame to assess the thickness of the arterial wall (CIMT), Stenosis, and plaque character. A full color report is generated for review with your physician