Ultrasound diagnostics

Ultrasound diagnostics

Patient undergoing abdominal ultrasound.

Introduction

Ultrasound diagnostics (USG) is by far the irreplaceable, widely available and safest medical imaging method for the patient, using mechanical ultrasound waves to obtain detailed images of the inside of the human body, including the diagnosis of venous and arterial vessels. Unlike X-ray or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, which means that it can be performed repeatedly without risk to the patient's health, including in pregnant women.

Ultrasound examination allows real-time (live) imaging, enabling the diagnostician or phlebologist to dynamically assess the structures under examination. This unique feature makes ultrasound irreplaceable in organ and vascular diagnosis. In ultrasound examinations, anatomical as well as dynamic assessment with evaluation of organ movement (e.g. heart or intestines) and blood flow (Doppler ultrasound) is possible.

Doppler ultrasound. Phlebology Clinic Doppler ultrasound. Phlebology Clinic

A particularly valuable variant of ultrasound examination is the Doppler ultrasoundwhich allows the assessment of blood flow in blood vessels. The technique uses what is known as a 'blood flow test'. Doppler effect. In ultrasound diagnosis, the Doppler effect occurs when ultrasound waves sent by the ultrasound transducer reflect off moving blood elements (mainly red blood cells). This causes a change in the frequency of the reflected mechanical wave. This change is recorded by the transducer applied to the skin. As the blood flows towards the probe the frequency of the wave increases, and as it moves away from the probe its frequency decreases. This change in frequency allows the precise determination of the distance of the imaged structure from the skin, the direction and speed of blood flow in the blood vessels. This is of key importance in modern diagnosis of diseases of the circulatory system, particularly in modern phlebology.

Areas of application of modern ultrasonography

In modern medicine, ultrasonography is widely used.

It is used, among others, in:

  • diagnosis of venous and arterial vascular disease;
  • organ tests (e.g. assessment of the abdominal cavity, including liver, pancreas, kidney or spleen);
  • assessment of the mammary glands, salivary glands, thyroid or lymph nodes;
  • diagnosis of soft tissue lesions;
  • musculoskeletal research;
  • monitoring the course of pregnancy;
  • diagnosis of heart disease (echocardiography);
  • detection and monitoring of cancerous lesions.

Advantages of modern ultrasonography

  • safety for the patient;
  • no ionising radiation;
  • the possibility of multiple repeat examinations (for disease monitoring or postoperative evaluation);
  • real-time imaging in different body positions or respiratory phases;
  • minimally invasive and painless;
  • no need for special preparation for most examinations (for some examinations it is necessary to appear fasting and with a filled bladder);
  • wide availability and relatively low cost compared to other imaging modalities such as MR examination;
  • the possibility of testing pregnant women and young children.

What sets us apart?

At the Phlebology Clinic in Warsaw, we use state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment which, combined with the experience of our specialists, allows us to carry out precise diagnostics. We place particular emphasis on the diagnosis of the venous system. Ultrasonography is the basis for the progress of modern phlebology. We use it at the stage of diagnosis, intra-operative evaluation and monitoring of treatment effects, as well as in the assessment of disease progression.

In our Clinic, ultrasound examinations are performed by experienced phlebologists and specialists in radiology and diagnostic imaging. In addition, we offer our patients:

  • comprehensive health assessment;
  • precise vascular diagnostics from Doppler ultrasound to high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging;
  • specialised interpretation of diagnostic test results;
  • ability to implement appropriate treatment (we develop personalised treatment plans);
  • the largest experience in full-profile diagnosis of venous diseases in Poland;
  • Poland's largest experience in the causal treatment of venous disease;
  • a holistic approach to each patient's problems.

We encourage you to make use of our diagnostic services. We offer comprehensive ultrasound diagnostics at the highest level. In our daily practice, our specialists use modern Canon (formerly Toshiba) equipment.

Mostly
questions asked

  • Ultrasound examination is safe for both the mother and the developing foetus. Unlike X-ray examinations, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, but only high-frequency sound (mechanical) waves. It is the primary diagnostic method used during pregnancy to monitor the development of the foetus, assess its anatomy and diagnose any abnormalities. The examination is non-invasive and painless, and can be repeated several times without risk to the health of mother and child.

  • Yes, the quality of an ultrasound examination depends significantly on the class of camera used. Modern ultrasound machines are equipped with advanced technologies that produce high-resolution and detailed images. They use a variety of features such as harmonic imaging or Doppler techniques. However, equally important - if not more so - are the skills and experience of the diagnostician performing the examination. The combination of a high-end instrument with the knowledge and experience of a specialist gives the best diagnostic results. It is worth choosing medical facilities that regularly upgrade their diagnostic equipment and employ experienced specialists.

  • Ultrasonography, although a very useful diagnostic method, has some limitations. The quality of imaging can be hampered by the patient's physique, the presence of gas in the bowels or the location of the organ under examination (structures deep at the spine are difficult to visualise). In some cases, complementary examinations such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary to make a complete diagnosis. Each imaging modality has its own advantages and can provide different, relevant diagnostic information. When ordering additional examinations, the doctor aims to obtain as complete a clinical picture as possible in order to make a precise diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment.

  • Standard ultrasound examination is a painless procedure and usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area examined and the diagnostic purpose. The patient may only feel a slight pressure of the transducer on the skin when the doctor performing the examination presses it against the body to obtain a better image. A special gel is always applied to the skin (it is harmless to the skin) to help the ultrasound waves pass through the skin and into the organs. During the examination, the patient may be asked to take a deep breath or hold his or her breath for a short while, which helps to better visualise certain organs. After the examination, the gel is removed and the Patient can immediately return to daily activities.

  • Doppler ultrasound examination of the veins of the abdomen and small pelvis with transcutaneous evaluation of the venous vessels of the intimate area (perineum and vulva) requires particularly good preparation on the part of the patient. For this purpose, as early as 2 days before the examination it is necessary to avoid foods that lead to intestinal gassuch as sweets, fruit or dairy products.

    A day before the test and on the morning of the test day, it is recommended to take Espumisan in doses equal to respectively: 3×2 capsules and 3 cassoules. 

    On the day of the test the patient should be fasting (last meal at the latest 12 hours before the examination)after drinking a moderate amount of still water (up to 0.5 litres drunk 2-3 hours before the examination). The examination is usually performed with a moderately filled bladder.

    Prior to the ultrasound examination to assess the veins of the pubic area, vulva and perineum, depilation of the bikini area is recommended (as well as prior to varicose vein elimination in this area of the body).  

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