Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of the arteries (vessels that carry blood from your heart) in your forearm(s). Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. This procedure is performed to create a "map" of your hand arteries for the surgeon in preparation for various procedures that will include bypass graft surgery (bypassing diseased vessels in your body with the healthy arteries from your forearms(s). At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound imaging.
There is no preparation for this procedure.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
The vascular technologist will explain your exam and answer any questions you may have.
Your procedure will be performed with you either lying on the examination table on your back or sitting at the bedside with your hands at your sides or on your stomach.
The technologist will apply warm gel to your forearm(s).
A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, will be placed over various locations on your forearm(s) and fingers.
You will not feel any pain; however you will feel mild pressure from the transducer.
The soundwaves bounce off the blood moving in the arteries in your arms. This creates "echoes" which are converted to images on a television monitor.
You will hear unusual sounds as the technologist listens and records the blood flowing through the arteries in your forearms(s).
Additionally, tracings (photoplethysmography - PPG) tracking blood to your fingertips will be taken.
Your exam will take approximately 20 minutes.
There are no post-exam instructions.
Your study will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have any problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
