Understanding Ultrasound

Overview of Cardiac Ultrasound:

Cardiac ultrasound applications are used to examine a patient’s heart, heart structures, blood flow, and more. Examining blood flow to and from the heart and examining heart structures to detect any potential damage or blockages are just a few common reasons why people would want to have a cardiac ultrasound. There are a variety of ultrasound transducers designed specifically to project images of the heart, as well as ultrasound machines designed specifically to produce high definition, 2D/3D/4D, and complex images of the heart.

There are different types and qualities of cardiac ultrasound images. For example, a color Doppler image can show how fast the blood is flowing, how much blood is flowing to or from the heart, and if there are any obstructions preventing the blood from flowing where it should. Another example is a regular 2D ultrasound image that is able to examine the heart structure. If a finer or more detailed image is needed, a 3D/4D ultrasound image of the heart can be taken.

Vascular Ultrasound Overview:

Vascular ultrasound applications can be used to examine veins, blood flow, and arteries anywhere in our body; the arms, legs, heart, or throat are just a few of the areas that can be examined. Most ultrasound machines that are specialized for cardiac applications are also specialized for vascular applications (hence the term cardiovascular). Vascular ultrasound is often used to diagnose blood clots, blocked arteries, or any abnormalities in blood flow.

Vascular Ultrasound Definition:

The actual definition of vascular ultrasound is the projection of images of blood flow and the general circulatory system. Obviously, this examination is not limited to any specific body part, as blood is constantly flowing throughout the body. Images of blood vessels taken from the brain are called TCD or transcranial Doppler. Doppler imaging and vascular imaging are similar in that they are both used to project images of blood flow, or the lack thereof.