The Ultrasound Department
at Cardiology Associates of Altoona
Rapid Diagnosis & Treatment by an Accredited Laboratory
The Ultrasound Department at Cardiology Associates of Altoona includes an Accredited Vascular and Echocardiography Laboratory. We offer a wide variety of cardiac and vascular testing and imaging procedures to assist your cardiologist by helping him to more rapidly and accurately diagnose and treat your condition. Ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive imaging technique that utilizes guided sound waves to obtain detailed images of your heart and components of your circulatory system.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
Your technologist will apply a warm, water soluble gel on your skin over the area to be imaged during your ultrasound procedure. An instrument, known as a transducer, works by producing the high frequency sound waves that are used to obtain the images necessary to determine the size, shape, consistency, and other relevant information about your circulatory system. The transducer can provide information about your blood flow, identify blockages, abnormalities, etc. within your heart and vascular system. This information will be analyzed by your doctor to determine if a problem exists, and if so, how to treat the condition most effectively.
The Echocardiography Laboratory at Cardiology Associates of Altoona
Echocardiograms, Stress Tests, & 3-D Imaging
Our Echocardiology Laboratory is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. The technicians at Cardiology Associates of Altoona offer several types of state-of-the-art heart imaging procedures:
Echocardiogram: Images of the structure and function of your heart are obtained by collecting the “echos” that are reflected when high-frequency sound waves (sent via transducer) return to the echocardiogram device; If your cardiologist suspects that there may be an issue with the chambers or valves of your heart, you may be offered this procedure.
Stress Echocardiogram: This procedure is performed to determine how well your heart and blood vessels function when placed under stress (exercise).
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram: If you are unable to exercise, we are able to determine how well your heart and blood vessels function while under the effects of Dobutamine (an agent injected into a blood vessel that mimics the effects of exercise).
3-D Imaging: A three-dimensional echocardiogram produces real-time images of your heart while it is beating. More enhanced details can be obtained than those collected from a traditional echocardiogram. When a more accurate assessment of your heart function is necessary to determine the best treatment plan for you, we may offer this procedure.
The Vascular Laboratory at Cardiology Associates of Altoona
Renal, Abdominal Aortal, Carotid, Arterial, & Venous Ultrasound
Our Vascular Laboratory at Cardiology Associates of Altoona is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. The technicians at Cardiology Associates of Altoona offer several types of procedures to obtain images of vascular structures throughout the body:
Carotid Ultrasound: Used to diagnose Carotid Artery Disease by imaging the interior walls of your carotid arteries. Our technicians look for the presence of plaque accumulation and determine the degree of narrowing present.
Noninvasive Physiological Testing of the Legs: This procedure is used to test for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) by evaluating the arterial blood supply to the lower limbs.
Arterial & Venous Ultrasound of the Upper and Lower Extremities: The blood flow, perfusion, and pressure within the blood vessels of your arms and legs are tested while at rest and during exercise to help determine whether or not vascular disease is present.
Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound: You will be asked to lie on your back for this procedure while the technologist takes images and measurements of your abdominal aorta (the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart). The test may be performed if an enlarged aorta (or aneurysm) is suspected.
Renal Ultrasound: This procedure is used to obtain images of the size, location, and shape of the kidneys, bladder, and/or ureters. Many conditions may be detected with this procedure including: cysts, abscesses, tumors, obstructions, infections, fluid buildup, and other issues.
Pseudo-Aneurysm Compression: Some individuals may be able to avoid open procedures with this safe and effective procedure to diagnose and correct pseudo-aneurysms that may result as a rare complication of catheterization/endovascular intervention.
We may also utilize vascular imaging techniques to analyze, monitor, and treat extra-cranial cerebrovascular disease, transient ischemic attack (stroke), subcutaneous varicose veins, and other conditions.
If you would like to learn more about our ultrasound services, refer a patient, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Cardiology Associates of Altoona at: (814) 942- 2411.