Vascular Imaging

What is vascular imaging?

Vascular imaging is a technology that Dr. Odiete uses to look at the way your circulatory system is working in detail. Using vascular imaging, he can see where there are narrowing or blocked veins or arteries. He can also locate blood clots.

Vascular imaging uses ultrasound technology, which is one of the safest forms of diagnostic imaging. It doesn’t use any ionizing radiation like X-rays or a CT scan would, and it’s safe to use even when you’re pregnant. Vascular imaging also provides Dr. Odiete with a much clearer image of your blood vessels than he’d get from an X-ray.

How does vascular imaging work?

The ultrasound in vascular imaging technology uses high-frequency sound waves that are above the human range of hearing. The sound waves bounce off any object they strike, creating echoes. It’s the same kind of system as the sonar they use on ships and submarines.

During your vascular imaging procedure, the handpiece, which is called a transducer, passes across your body. As it goes over the blood vessels Dr. Odiete needs to see, the transducer sends out sound waves. It then records the echoes as they return.

The transducer’s receiver is extremely sensitive. It’s capable of recording the tiniest changes in the echoing sound waves. Software measures the recorded echoes and works out the distance, size, shape, and consistency of the object.

The software translates this information into a real-time depiction of your blood vessels and displays the images on a monitor.

Are there different kinds of vascular imaging?

The other main form of vascular imaging is Doppler ultrasound. The way your blood cells move causes changes in the pitch of the echoing sound waves. This is known as the Doppler effect.

With Doppler ultrasound, the software creates images of the speed at which your blood cells are flowing around your body and in which direction. Doppler ultrasound provides Dr. Odiete with an accurate view of blood flow in your veins and arteries.

What is vascular imaging used for?

Vascular imaging at Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular is helpful if Dr. Odiete needs to monitor the blood flow into your organs and tissues. Using vascular imaging, he can identify problems like plaque build-up that’s responsible for the narrowing of the arteries. He can also see if you have a fat embolus or a blood clot.

Vascular imaging can locate the deep blood clots that form when you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can also highlight any enlargement in an artery that could be an aneurysm. If you have a problem like chronic venous insufficiency, vascular imaging can pinpoint where the problem valves are that are affecting efficient blood flow.

Vascular imaging can help Dr. Odiete determine whether you’re able to undergo a surgical procedure such as an angioplasty. He might also use it to see how well you’re progressing after previous vascular surgeries.

If you need to undergo vascular imaging, you needn’t feel apprehensive, as it’s a safe, painless experience. Find out more by calling Peachstate Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular (PACE) today or book an appointment online.