Ultrasound

At Akeso Clinic you can benefit from the following types of ultrasounds:

• Carotid artery Doppler ultrasound
• Ultrasound of the upper abdomen
• Ultrasound lower abdomen
• Doppler ultrasound of lower/upper limb arteries bilaterally
• Doppler ultrasound of lower/upper limb veins bilaterally
• Thyroid ultrasound
• Ultrasound of renal arteries
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Obstetric ultrasound/biometrics (trimester 2/3)
• 1st trimester pregnancy ultrasound

Ultrasound prices

But first let's find out what ultrasound is!

Medical ultrasound falls into two distinct categories: diagnostic and therapeutic.

Diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to capture images from inside the body.

In turn, diagnostic ultrasound can be subdivided into anatomical ultrasound and functional ultrasound.

Anatomical ultrasound provides images of internal organs or other structures.

Functional ultrasound creates "data maps" by combining anatomical images with information such as tissue or blood dynamics and speed of specific processes, tissue flexibility or stiffness, and other physical characteristics. Such maps are useful to the physician for visualizing functional changes/differences within a structure or organ.

Despite its ability to noninvasively capture images of internal organs, diagnostic ultrasound cannot be used to image bone or air-containing tissues such as the lungs. However, there are also situations in which ultrasound can also show images of the bones (as in the case of the fetus or newborn) or the lungs and their mucosa, when they contain fluid.

One of the most common uses of ultrasound is to monitor fetal growth and development during pregnancy.

At the same time, this is a very important way of investigation and diagnosis for heart, vascular, eye, thyroid, cerebral, breast, abdominal, skin, and muscle diseases.

Applications of functional ultrasound include Doppler and color Doppler ultrasound, which visualize and measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessels of the body or heart.

The images are obtained using color-coded maps called color Doppler imaging.

Most commonly, Doppler ultrasound can determine the presence of plaque accumulations within the carotid arteries, which block blood flow to the brain.

Therapeutic ultrasound is also based on the use of sound waves imperceptible to human hearing, but does not produce images. Its therapeutic purpose is achieved through the interaction with the tissues of the body, for their modification or destruction. Such changes may include moving tissue, heating it, dissolving blood clots, or administering drugs to certain places in the body.

Destructive (ablative) applications use very high-intensity beams that can destroy diseased or abnormal tissue such as tumors. The advantage of using therapeutic ultrasound (ultrasound therapy) is its non-invasive nature, which allows avoiding incisions and the formation of lesions or scars.

In what situations is ultrasound necessary?

Ultrasound may be necessary during pregnancy, due to the absence of radiation, this is a safe way to check the health of the fetus.

Diagnostic ultrasound is also useful for symptoms in certain tissues or organs, such as the heart, kidneys, thyroid, gallbladder, and female reproductive system.

Ultrasound is also used to perform a biopsy, giving the doctor a clear image of the area under analysis.

Does an ultrasound scan require preparation?

Preparation for the ultrasound depends on the type of ultrasound.

For ultrasound of the abdominal area, including for pregnancy and imaging of the female reproductive system, it may be necessary to fill the bladder beforehand. For this purpose, drink 2-3 glasses of water about an hour before the test and do not use the toilet.

For other types of ultrasound, it may be necessary to change the diet or not consume any food or liquids for several hours before.

At the same time, there are also types of ultrasound that do not require training.

Depending on the type of ultrasound established, the doctor provides the patient with all the information regarding the necessary preparations.

Does ultrasound involve risks?

Carrying out an ultrasound does not pose any known risks, it is considered safe in case of pregnancy.