False Creek Surgical Centre is pleased to announce we will be offering ultrasound services in the areas of OB/Gyn, General Ultrasound and Echo Cardiology.

OB/Gyn Ultrasound

• Advanced maternal age scan
• Endovaginal
• Routine gynecological scans
• Nuchal Translucencies

Patients will receive a CD of their 3D scan as well as pictures and will have an opportunity to speak about their scan with the radiologist directly after the scan.

General Ultrasound Services

• Breast
• Abdominal
• Shoulder/Limbs
• Renal
• Thyroids
• Prostate
• Needle Biopsy
• Core Biopsy
  

Echo Cardiology

• Valvular Heart Disease
• Heart Failure
• Aneurysms
• Carotid Screening

What exactly is diagnostic ultrasound?

Ultrasound is one of the most widely used diagnostic procedures available. It provides a safe, non-invasive and virtually painless means of observing soft tissue anatomy on an outpatient basis. Our Philips ultrasound system generates an advanced level of image quality to help your physician diagnose with confidence. It may provide your doctor all the information needed to recommend a course of action, eliminating the need for other types of more complicated exams or exploratory surgery.

How does it work?

Because it can be used in the most delicate conditions without major side effects, ultrasound is one of the most popular diagnostic methods among patients and physicians. Diagnostic ultrasound allows physicians to diagnose without invading the body with dyes, radiation or exploratory surgery. Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles involved in the sonar used by bats. During an exam, a sonographer moves a transducer over the part of the body to be imaged. The transducer functions as both a loudspeaker (to create the sounds) and a microphone (to record them). High-frequency sound waves reflect off internal structures (soft tissue, organs and blood flow), producing echoes that are processed into an image displayed on the ultrasound system monitor. When the examination is complete, the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. Often, the sonographer or radiologist reviews the ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired, and the patient can be released immediately.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A radiologist will analyze the images and send a report with his/her interpretation to the patient’s personal physician.

Are there risks?

There are no known harmful effects for standard diagnostic ultrasound.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for your exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans, your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others, you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating, so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

How is the procedure performed?

Depending on the type of exam, you may be instructed to lie down or sit upright on an examining table. The sonographer will apply gel on your skin and press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. The sonographer sees these images on the monitor immediately. Often the patient is able to see them, as well. The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes. In some situations, your physician may recommend a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound exam to image closer to the area of interest. In these exams, extremely narrow transducers are inserted into the vagina or rectum. These exams should not create any significant discomfort. In fact, the transvaginal exam may be faster, more accurate and more comfortable overall because you will not be required to have a full bladder.