Archive for October, 2011

Vascular Ultrasound Imaging

A vascular ultrasound (US) is a special Doppler ultrasound that is used to diagnose heart problems and examine blood vessels to determine blood flow patterns and if there is any narrowing or blockage. The most frequently examined vessels are in the arms, legs, and neck and include both veins and arteries. Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless procedure that utilizes high frequency sound waves and does not require the use of radiation, dyes, needles, or and anesthesia.

Physicians typically request a vascular ultrasound test for patients that are suspected to have circulatory system problems. Stroke patients may also benefit from a vascular ultrasound to determine what factors caused the stroke. Lastly, it is used by physicians as a tool to evaluate the success of bypass surgery and to determine if someone is a good candidate for angioplasty.

A vascular ultrasound should be performed as frequently as it is recommended by a physician. It is typically administered by a technologist who places a water-based gel on the area that is being examined. A transducer, or small wand is firmly rotated against the body (across the area being studied) to capture the desired images on ultrasound machines. Most ultrasound exams take approximately 30 minutes, or less and the results are either given to the patient immediately or sent to their physician.

Vascular ultrasound machines are an effective diagnostic tool that can accurately evaluate the human circulatory system. An ultrasound of the veins can locate blockage (thrombosis) which can cause arm and leg pain or swelling. It allows medical professionals to locate abnormalities and obstructions, such as plaque build-up and blood clots. For patients with varicose veins, vascular ultrasounds can also assist surgeons in dealing with the condition. Since the procedure does not require any type of radiation, it is relatively a risk-free procedure.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment

Treat Tendonitis Pain with Ultrasound Therapy at Home

Tendonitis is a condition that describes an irritation or inflammation of a tendon, which is a connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons are located at the end of muscles and are typically resilient. However, tendons lack flexibility and can be prone to tearing, which results in pain and stiffness. Repetitive strain or an acute injury can tear or cause swelling of tendon tissue and cause soreness, irritation, and a burning type of pain.

Patients who are most susceptible to this condition typically exert the same tendons repetitively and the motion that aggravates the tendons is frequently relived by the application of cold therapy. Tendonitis can sometimes be prevented by stretching muscles on a consistent basis. Stretching the muscles creates more flexibility and tendons are less likely to tear. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, tendonitis can become chronic and severe problem.

Previously, ultrasound machine therapy treatments were used mostly for professional athletes. Today, ultrasounds are being used to treat a variety of painful conditions. Portable home ultrasound machines can help heal and relieve this condition for patients that are diagnosed with chronic tendonitis. Therapeutic ultrasound treatments use sound waves that penetrate surface layers of the skin which cause a vibration in the tissues and produce a deep heat to soothe pain, inflammation, pain, and relieve muscle spasm. Ultra sonic technology increases oxygen and blood circulation and which lessens swelling and expedites the healing and recovery process.

Tendonitis occurs with constant re-injuring of an area and results in additional scarring, pain, and limited performance. For these types of injuries, a particular home ultrasound machine is required to treat the soft tissue injuries. It is necessary that the home ultrasound machine is capable of producing heat. Heat is produced by constant frequency using a pulsed mode and creates therapeutic physiological relief.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment