Cardiovascular Ultrasound
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Services | Rio Grande Valley
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (Echo):
A non-invasive procedure which uses ultrasound to obtain pictures of the heart. Pictures which include the heart’s chambers, valves, walls and the blood vessels (aorta, arteries, veins) attached to your heart.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram with Contrast:
A doctor may also want to use contrast with the echocardiogram. Contrast is used during an echocardiogram to see the flow of blood through the heart and the heart muscle better.
When saline or an enhancing agent is ordered by the physician, they can be injected through an IV during the echocardiogram. The agitated saline or agent can be seen flowing through the heart during the echocardiogram.
Mesenteric Artery Doppler:
Ultrasound of the mesenteric arteries is used to identify stenosis, plaque, or embolic occlusions that can interrupt the blood supply to the entire intestinal system, spleen, and portions of the liver and stomach.
Preparation: Do not eat or drink 8 hours before the exam. Do not chew gum. Medication is ok with sips of water.
Duplex of the Aorta or also called Ultrasound Doppler of the Aorta:
Preparation: Do not eat or drink 8 hours before the exam. Do not chew gum. Medication is ok with sips of water.
Ultrasound of the carotid arterial system; a fast & noninvasive test that is able to identify blockages of blood flow to the brain that might produce a stroke or mini-stroke.
No prep is required for this exam. It makes the exam easier if you wear a shirt with a loose neck.
Venous Doppler Ultrasound:
*Lower Extremity Venous Doppler or Upper Extremity Venous Doppler*
Evaluation of the veins (leg or legs/arm or arms) to evaluate for the presence of a blood clot or reason for swelling.
No prep is required.
Arterial Doppler Ultrasound:
*Lower Arterial Doppler or Upper Arterial Doppler*
An arterial doppler exam is a test that looks at the blood circulation in the arteries of your arms or legs to see if there is any blockage.
No prep required.
Renal Doppler or Duplex of the Renal Arteries:
A renal doppler gives information about the presence and direction of blood flow of the renal vessels.
Preparation: Do not eat or drink 8 hours before the exam. Do not chew gum. Medication is ok with sips of water.
Liver Doppler Ultrasound:
A Liver Doppler Ultrasound assesses the blood that flows into the liver through the portal veins and the blood that flows out of the liver through the hepatic veins which empty into the heart.
Preparation: Do not eat or drink 8 hours before the exam. Do not chew gum. Medication is ok with sips of water.
Ankle Brachial Index Studies:
A quick, noninvasive way to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The ankle-brachial index test compares the blood pressure measured at your ankle with the blood pressure measured at your arm.
Electrocardiogram/EKG:
A noninvasive test that is used to reflect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
Our Team Leader:
Brenda Trevino, MBA RDCS RVT RDMS