Cardiac Ultrasound | Ocean Empire Diagnostic and Monitoring Group

Cardiac Ultrasound - Patient Information

A brief examination in an uncomplicated case may be done within 15 to 20 minutes. The additional use of Doppler may add an additional 10 to 20 minutes.
However, it may take up to an hour when there are multiple problems or when there are technical problems (patients with lung disease, obesity, restlessness, and significant shortness of breath may be more difficult to image).

Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.
Notify your physician of all medications and herbal supplements that you are taking.
Notify your physician if you have a pacemaker.

You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
You will lie on a table or bed, positioned on your left side.
You will be connected to an ECG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the procedure using small, adhesive electrodes. The ECG tracings that record the electrical activity of the heart will be compared to the images displayed on the echocardiogram monitor.
The technologist will place warmed gel on your chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. You will feel a slight pressure as the technologist positions the transducer to get the desired image of your heart.
During the test, the technologist will move the transducer probe around and apply varying amounts of pressure to obtain images of different locations and structures of your heart. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable. If it does make you uncomfortable, however, let the technologist know.
After the procedure has been completed, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the ECG electrode pads. You may then put on your clothes.

This test takes an average of 15 to 30 minutes for most people, though it can vary.
Once the test is completed, you will be free to resume normal activities with no restrictions.

Ultrasound technician will apply a jelly-like substance to both sides of your neck, where the carotid arteries are located. This helps lubricate the skin and allow the ultrasound sensor to move more freely.
The sensor is moved back and forth over the neck and generates sound waves that bounce off the arteries.
The echo that bounces back is measured, and the changes in frequency can measure the flow of blood. The flow will be different in areas that are narrowed.

You will be asked to lie on your back with your head elevated slightly.
A gel will be spread on your arms or legs on the area to be examined.
A hand-held instrument, called a transducer, is used in the test.
The person who performs the test will move the transducer down the length of the arm or leg. They will be listening, looking, and putting slight pressure on the vein.

An arterial doppler is an ultrasound exam of the arteries located in your arms or legs. An Arterial Doppler evaluates the arterial blood flow of the body.
High frequency sound waves are used to obtain images of structures inside the body.
Ultrasound imaging can help the radiologist see and evaluate arterial blockages, such as plaque in arteries.

For the test, you will be asked to disrobe from the waist down, except for your undergarments.

Your blood pressure will be taken in both arms.
Then a small ultrasound transducer will be placed on the femoral artery in each leg, to record waveforms caused by the flow of blood through the artery.
The transducer will also be placed over 3 arteries in each ankle to measure blood flow by ultrasound and waveforms.