Imaging

What kinds of diagnostic imaging are available?

The diagnostic capabilities of Vantage Medical Associates PC  include:

• Echocardiogram (echo)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Holter monitoring
• Pulse oximetry (oxygen level measurement)
• Sleep studies
• Spirometry (lung capacity measurement)
• Ultrasound 
• Venous and arterial doppler (ultrasound of veins and arteries)
• X-rays
• Balance testing
• Stress test for cardiac health
• Allergy testing
• ABI/PVR test for peripheral artery disease
  
  

Most of these diagnostic tools are portable to help older patients or others with limited mobility get the screenings they need at home.

What is ultrasound imaging used for?

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to look at the soft tissues in your body.

Ultrasound imaging is used to look at:

• Blood flow through the carotid artery and aortic valve
• Blood flow through your arteries (arterial ultrasound)
• Kidneys
• Pelvic organs (transvaginally in women)
• Gallbladder
• Thyroid
  
  

Ultrasounds are non-invasive and pain-free. It provides your medical provider with important information about your condition.

What nerve imaging and testing is available?

Nerve compression or damage is often at the root cause of pain. To find the nerves at the source of your condition, your provider can have you undergo tests like:

Sudomotor testing

This measures the nerves that control sweating to help diagnose autonomic nervous system disorders, peripheral neuropathies, and some pain disorders. During the test, a mild electrical stimulation is applied to the skin to stimulate your sweat glands.

Nerve conduction studies

Nerve conduction studies measure how fast electrical impulses move through your nerves, helping to identify nerve damage.

Electromyography (EMG) 

EMG measures your muscles’ response to nerve stimulation. The test helps diagnose neuromuscular abnormalities.

What cardiac imaging is available?

Cardiac imaging gives your Vantage Medical Associates PC provider a wealth of information about the health of your heart. It includes:

Holter monitor

A Holter monitor uses electrodes and a recorder to track your heart's rhythm for 24-72 hours.

EKG/Echo

These imaging tests evaluate your heart muscle’s function and reveal and monitor problems with the heart’s valves or rhythm.

Stress test

A stress test is usually done on a treadmill. The test helps your Vantage Medical Associates PC provider understand how well your heart works while under duress. It shows if your heart produces an inadequate blood supply flowing through the arteries that go to the heart and what kind and level of physical activity is right for you.

Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasounds evaluate how blood flows through your body. It can be used to find a blocked artery, poor functioning valves in your legs, and heart valve defects. Your provider might order this ultrasound to diagnose a suspected aneurysm, carotid artery stenosis (narrowing), or peripheral artery disease.

Call Vantage Medical Associates PC today to learn more about the imaging procedures available or use the online tool to request an appointment.