So, when the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center team talks about artery screening in Rogers, what are we really discussing? Ultrasound imaging. Let’s discuss what that treatment entails!
How is vascular imaging performed?
While many medical facilities that perform vascular imaging ask you to lie down during artery screening, the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center always tries to keep you standing to perform an artery screening on your legs and lower body.
Laying down means your body isn’t having to work as hard as it normally would because blood isn’t having to pump against gravity.
That gives us a less accurate picture of what your body’s blood vessels are actually dealing with day to day.
The Process
Your Ozark Regional provider will apply a water-based gel to the area being screened. This helps the ultrasound transducer make secure contact with the body. It also helps eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body.
Your provider will sweep the ultrasound transducer over the areas of concern, repeating the process multiple times to get a complete picture. They may also angle the sound beam from a different location to better see an area of concern.
An examination usually takes 20-30 minutes. But be aware that a more complex exam may take more time.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
Most screening exams are painless, fast, and comfortable. There is usually no discomfort from pressure as they press the transducer against the area under examination.
Some exams may cause discomfort, though, if you’re dealing with bruising or tenderness in your legs. It’s important to remember that pressure of any kind will be uncomfortable, and nothing is wrong with the test. If you’re struggling with physical discomfort during the artery screening in Rogers, tell your Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center provider!
Once we’ve completed your vascular ultrasound, your provider will wipe off the clear imaging gel from your skin. If it’s a point of concern, the gel does not usually stain or discolor clothing, but tossing an article of clothing into the wash should prevent damage to your clothing.
After artery screening in Rogers, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately.
How Ultrasound Technology Works
Ok, but how does ultrasound imaging actually work?
Well, it uses the same principles as the sonar that bats, radar, and dolphins use. When a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces off of it. By measuring these echo waves, it is possible to determine how far away the object is and its size, shape, and consistency. This includes whether the object is solid or filled with fluid.
Medical professionals can take advantage of ultrasound technology to detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and blood vessels.
During an ultrasound exam, the transducer sends out sound waves and records the echoing (returning) waves. When your provider presses the transducer against your skin, it sends small pulses of soundless, high-frequency sound waves into the body.
As the sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids, and tissues, the sensitive receiver in the transducer records tiny changes in the sound’s pitch and direction. A computer instantly measures these sound waves and displays them as real-time pictures on a monitor.
That’s how artery screening in Rogers manages to create such a compelling map of your deep vascular system.
Turn to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center for Artery Tests.
For vascular care & an artery screening in Rogers, come to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center. Our experience and growing suite of care options allow us to guide you toward lasting wellness solutions for a happier, healthier life.
We are a premier practice in Northwest Arkansas for all the highest-quality vascular treatments available. Dr. Haney, Dr. Stout, and the expert staff have over 75 years of combined experience in the industry. Patients come to us from across the country—from Fayetteville & Bentonville to Houston, Texas, & Springfield, Missouri—to ensure they receive the best concierge-level care.
After all, helping people is what we do. And it is our mission to provide the people of Arkansas and beyond with the absolute best care possible.
Take the first step on the road to recovery with our Virtual Vascular Screening Tool, or schedule a consultation. We also hold regular free screening events.