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We has a long history of excellence in diagnostic ultrasound. We were one of the first radiology practices to embrace this image technique in the 1970's. Our ultrasound technologists are certified by the Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and we have radiologists with additional fellowship training in diagnostic ultrasound.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain medical images of various organs and tissues in the body. It is a painless and safe procedure. Ultrasound is used for many applications in clinical imaging including:
- Abdominal imaging, including the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas
- Pelvic imaging, including the uterus, ovaries, and prostate
- Obstetrical imaging
- Vascular imaging, including carotid artery, aorta, and venous mapping of varicose veins
- Breast imaging, including evaluation of breast nodules
- Thyroid imaging
- Hip imaging in infants
- Guiding a wide range of biopsy procedures in the breast, abdomen, prostate, thyroid and other structures
You will be asked to lie on a comfortable table while the technologist performs the examination. Your Radiologist will review the exam, and sometimes will perform the examination. A hand held device, called an Ultrasound probe, will be moved over the surface of your skin in the area of interest after a liquid gel is place on the probe and/or your skin. The gel is kept warm for your comfort.
For certain ultrasound exams, specialized internal probes are used. For example, an endo-vaginal probe is used for most pelvic exams to create the most detailed images of the uterus and ovaries. An endo-rectal probe is used for prostate exams, and to facilitate prostate biopsies.
During and after your exam, your Imaging Heathcare Specialists Radiologist will promptly review your ultrasound images and issue a report to your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may also receive the images and audio report on a personal computer in his or her office.
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies
In some cases, Ultrasound is used as image guidance for a biopsy procedure. In this event, your Imaging Heathcare Specialists radiologist will first obtain your informed consent and fully explain the procedure, alternatives, and risks. Needle biopsies generally proceed as follows:
- Ultrasound is used to identify and localize the area of interest.
- The overlying skin is cleaned and covered with a sterile drape.
- Local anesthetic (lidocaine) is injected into the skin and underlying tissues to create a "numb" spot.
- A needle is placed into the targeted tissue.
- Ultrasound is used to confirm the needle placement and any required adjustments are made.
- Often scanning occurs simultaneously to placing the needle.
- Two or more biopsy specimens are then obtained.
- You are observed as needed to make sure you have tolerated the procedure well.
The tissue specimen is then sent for examination by a pathologist who will send a report to your doctor in about a week or less. You should always make sure you find out the results of any biopsy or exam. Don't assume everything is O.K. if you don't hear from your doctor.
Schedule your San Diego Ultrasound treatment today! |
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