Current advances in medicine have vastly improved the prognosis for a lot of patients with cardiovascular diseases or blocked arteries. The key is early detection. An accurate diagnosis paves the way to more effective treatments.
An intravascular ultrasound allows doctors to see inside the blood vessels near the heart. This procedure is a safe and relatively painless technique that can lead to earlier detection of problems with the blood vessels, so the doctor can treat the issue before it becomes life-threatening.
Intravascular ultrasound is a minimally invasive procedure that is often used in conjunction with other methods, such as angioplasty. It is also used separately as a diagnostic procedure to detect plaques, clots, and other obstructions within the blood vessels.
How Does an Intravascular Ultrasound Work?
The equipment consists of a very thin tube called a catheter, and a small ultrasound camera is attached at the end. The camera conveys the picture signals to a computer, which then sends the images to a monitor for real-time video viewing by the physician.
For the intravascular ultrasound, you will lie down and keep your arms by your sides. A sedative will be given to make you comfortable during the ultrasound, and electrode patches will be placed on your chest. Then, the doctor will numb the groin area using a local anesthetic, and the catheter will be threaded from there to your coronary arteries. The procedure itself takes about an hour.
After the procedure, you will need to remain lying down for a while so pressure can be applied to the site of insertion; this is done to prevent bleeding. Your physician will explain anything else you need to know about the procedure and what to expect from it.
Are There Any Risks to This Procedure?
The intravascular ultrasound itself is very safe; however, complications can arise from the anesthesia. Very rarely, the procedure may trigger a stroke or a heart attack.
Bleeding from the incision site can also occur, but this can generally be prevented by abstaining from substantial physical activities for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Swelling, pain, or inflammation near the incision site may indicate an infection – if this occurs, contact your doctor immediately.
Intravascular Ultrasound Technicians in Palm Beach County
Modern diagnostic technology has given people safe and effective tests such as intravascular ultrasound. One of your best options for getting an intravascular ultrasound here in Palm Beach County is at Independent Imaging.
Behind every successful diagnosis is a competent and professional team of physicians, including radiologists who must complete medical school and a residency in radiology. With many decades of experience, our board-certified radiologists have the most thorough knowledge and skills to ensure accurate diagnostics – so you can get the most effective treatment.
We have several locations across the county, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Belle Glade, and Lake Worth. To request an appointment, call us today at (561) 795-5558 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you here.
