Carotid Doppler ultrasound machines provide next generation technology that allows a physician to determine blood flow to the heart and brain by examining the arteries. Sound waves traveling away from the heart produce a lower sound; sound waves traveling towards the heart produce a higher sound. A scan of the carotid artery will detect blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels and can provide detailed pictures of the arteries in the neck that carry blood to the heart and the brain. Equipment used to detect various medical problems is becoming more high tech and can show more detail than ever before such as 3d ultrasound machines using multi-dimensional technology to see many images at once. Some of these are used in obstetrics and gynecology providing details of the growing fetus and can be used for many other medical diagnoses. Using high-tech equipment often provides a safer way for a physician to make a diagnosis pertaining to illness and disease.
Medical equipment is rapidly becoming more high tech including high resolution flat panel screens and ergonomic features helping a physician to see more detail during examinations. Carotid Doppler ultrasound machines are growing in popularity by physicians and patients simply because they provide a less invasive way to look at the arteries. The carotid artery is the main artery that supplies blood flow to the brain so being able to make a diagnosis before a stroke happens can help to prevent an occurrence. Plaque can eventually block the blood flow which can be detected with this form of technology. Some of the symptoms leading up to a stroke include blurred vision, slurred speech, numbness, confusion, and moments of extreme weakness. Symptoms such as these should be brought to a doctor’s attention as soon as possible. Blockages that are caught in time can be treated with an angioplasty procedure and the insertion of a stent.
A stent placed inside of a vessel will help to hold it open so that blood flow increases. A stent is normally made from metal or plastic material and is placed inside of an artery after a procedure called a balloon angioplasty. Carotid Doppler ultrasound machines can help detect blockages within arteries so that a physician can make a determination on what to do next. Severe blockages up to 100% are not normally considered safe for stents because the risk of stroke can be greater when surgery is performed. Other risks of surgery include the danger of blood clots, brain damage, and heart attack. Ultrasound technology provides many advantages to patients as uses of it continue to expand. The expansion of technology is a blessing from God as He blesses people with medical knowledge to provide healing and increase quality of life for those who are in need. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4)
Obstetrics and gynecology departments use technology to detect or diagnose problems with a growing fetus. Equipment such as 3d ultrasound machines can provide multi-dimensional pictures of the heart and other vital organs. This type of technology is much safer for the mother and child compared to x-rays and other scans since there are no chemicals or dyes involved and no risk of radiation exposure. Some of the positive ways that a physician can use equipment to examine a growing fetus include checking the growth rate, checking for any possible birth defects, finding the location of the placenta, if there is the right amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus, and if the heart rate is normal.
Detailed multi-dimensional scans can detect abnormalities in the spine, chest, limbs, and the head of the fetus. Carotid Doppler ultrasound machines can be used on a fetus to detect the flow of blood within the vessels. This type of scan can also be used on the umbilical cord and the uterus to detect any possible problems. A vaginal examination can also be done during the pregnancy to find causes of bleeding or pain. One possible complication with pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy, where the developing fetus is trying to grow in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.
One important thing for a patient to remember before an ultrasound includes drinking several glasses of water beforehand. A full bladder will help the physician locate pelvic organs better. Using 3d ultrasound machines are much safer than radiation and dyes used in other types of scanning procedures. A liquid gel is applied to the woman’s abdomen ahead of time to make it easier to slide the transducer across the skin and helps the detection of the sound waves that are reflected back showing the growing fetus. Along with scanning the fetus a physician may check the hormone levels of the mother and advise the patient about the normal changes of a woman’s body during pregnancy.
Technology has made it possible for the medical community to offer patients less invasive procedures during examinations such as using 3d ultrasound machines. These machines can check for other problems in women such as why there is pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and if treatment is needed for infertility. Multi-dimensional scans provide different images all at once making the images more lifelike and clearer. Some of the other problems that can be detected with next generation technology include the detection of tumors or masses, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, cancer, and infection. In men, scans can help to detect prostrate and vascular system abnormalities as well as abnormalities in other organs.