All About Ultrasound


What is an ultrasound and why do I need one?

    An ultrasound is a painless, quick scan that is performed to allow your doctor to visualize the aorta. In this way, the ultrasound can confirm the presence of an aneurysm and also, very importantly, indicate the size of your aorta and of the aneurysm which is crucial.

   The normal diameter for an aorta of a healthy adult male is 3cm. If a segment of the abdominal aorta widens to over 3cm it is considered to be an aneurysm. However, if this segment is under 5.5cm in width, the aneurysm most likely need not be operated on and should simply be monitored on a yearly basis if between 3-4.5cm and on a quarter yearly basis if between 4.5- 5.4 cm. 

   In this way, having an Ultrasound determines the course of action and treatment that  should be undertaken when you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and is thus very important. 


How does ultrasound imaging work?

  Ultrasound imaging involves sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. These waves reflect off structures and organs in the body which results in response signals being sent out to create an image. 

   The ultrasound imaging technique is based on a basic sonar principle; when a sound wave hits an object, it will be reflected and “echo”. These echoes created when soundwaves bounce off the body part can be measured to create images of blood flow and structures within the body. A transducer  (wand) sends the sound waves through the abdomen and records the echoes. 

   In tandem with this, the Doppler ultrasound technique can also be used to measure the direction and speed of cells being examined, which creates a more accurate image of the aorta. A computer processes the “echoing” soundwaves to produce the abdominal ultrasound image. 


How is the exam carried out ?

   As the scan is performed, you will be required to lie flat on your back on an examination table. The doctor or sonographer (ultrasound technician) will then apply a water-based gel to the abdomen area to expose your abdomen to the sound waves created by the transducer. 

   This gel will help facilitate the movement of sound waves allowing them to pass through the abdomen easier and more efficiently by removing any pockets of air which may form and disrupt the sound waves. 

    They will then use a device known as a transducer (shaped like a microphone) to send out high-frequency waves and picks up the responding signal. The transducer is then placed firmly the abdomen and moved around the area to create a clearer and more coherent picture of the abdomen. 

   This is a fairly benign procedure and should cause no discomfort or pain (unless the area is already tender or injured). This whole process should take around 30 to 45 minutes.




Ultrasound ( Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-diagnose/ultrasound-scan )

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