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Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to obtain a
medical image or picture of various organs and tissues in the body.
Ultrasound is a safe, painless and effective diagnostic procedure. Exams
generally take between 30-60 minutes depending on the information
requested by your physician.The purpose of
Ultrasound is to:
- Provide very precise images of tissue and organs.
- Used in diagnosing and treating Cancer patients.
- Reveals internal motions such as heart beat and
blood flow.
- Detects and monitors a wide variety of conditions
such as heart problems, abdominal disorders, blood vessel problems and
pelvic disorders.
- A safe and effective way to check a baby's health
and development during pregnancy.
A sonographer (a technician who specializes in
ultrasound) will position you on an examination table. At this time a gel
will be applied to the area being examined. The sonographer will use a
small microphone-like device to move lightly over the body part being
imaged. The images are viewed on a television monitor and are viewed,
taped or photographed.
After the exam, the radiologist will provide your
physician with an interpretation of the results of your ultrasound
procedure. Your physician can then make a diagnosis and explain the
findings.
Charleston Radiologists offers the following
Ultrasound services:
- Abdomen
- Breast
- Duplex carotid/vertebral
- Lower extremity
- Vascular, arterial and venous
- Cranial
- Spinal canal
- Infant Hip
- Pelvic
- Retroperitoneal
- Scrotal
- Thyroid
- Ultrasound needle placements, biopsies,
aspirations, injections
Patient Preparation
Abdominal, Spleen, Pancreas or Gallbladder Ultrasound:
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your scheduled
exam.
Pelvic, OB or GYN Ultrasound:
- It is essential to have an extremely full bladder
for a pelvic ultrasound (whether you are pregnant or not) in order to
avoid delays in the exam and possible rescheduling.
- Drink four 8 oz. glasses of fluid one hour prior
to the scheduled exam (water is preferred). Try not to go to the
bathroom during this time, but if you must go, go only enough to relieve
the discomfort.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS |
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Featuring Gene Phillips, M.D.
Interventional Radiologist with Charleston Radiologists, PA
Medical Director, InvisiVein
Q. What are varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are abnormal bulging veins below the skin surface that are unsightly and often painful. They frequently cause swelling and discomfort in the legs, especially during periods of prolonged standing. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to permanent skin changes and sometimes ulceration.
Q. Are varicose veins only a cosmetic concern?
A. The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) is the concern. However, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated.
Q. What new non-invasive techniques are available to treat varicose veins?
A. Surgery was the traditional treatment for varicose veins, but it’s invasive, moderately painful and has a slightly longer recovery period. Surgery requires the use of anesthesia, leaves a scar and a few incisions.
One of the newest non-invasive techniques in varicose vein removal is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). The EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, requires no incisions, and usually lasts less than an hour. An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance, can perform EVLT.
Q. How does the EVLT procedure work?
A. With EVLT, laser energy minimizes the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the bulging of the vein at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The procedure leaves no visible scarring. There is minimal postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period gains immediate relief from symptoms. It is well documented that EVLT has a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
For more information on EVLT and varicose vein removal, visit InvisVein. |
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