Aortic-iliac Arteries/Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound (AAA)
An aortic-iliac arteries/abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound is an abdominal ultrasound to review the blood flow in the aorta and other main abdominal arteries.
Through a hand-held transducer and gel applied directly on your skin, ultrasound uses non-radiation sound wave technology to create an echo image of the organs and vessels in your body.
The purpose of a AAA ultrasound to exclude evidence of an abdominal aneurysm (bulging of the artery).
Other Cardiac Vascular Procedures
Prior to an aortic-iliac arteries/abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound you will need to fast for at least 5 hours. This includes no fluids (exceptions are made for small sips to take medications), chewing gum or smoking.
You may wish to wear a loose and comfortable two piece outfit that allows easy access to your abdominal area.
During a AAA ultrasound you will be asked to lie on your back while the ultrasound transducer is moved over your abdomen to view all of the abdominal arteries.
An aortic-iliac arteries/abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound usually takes about 45 minutes.
AAA ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure so you can return immediately to your usual everyday activities.
Your aortic-iliac arteries/abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound results will be reviewed and the report will be sent to your referring doctor. It is best to make an appointment with them to follow up on the results.
An AAA, which stands for abdominal aortic aneurysm, is a medical test that uses sound waves to create images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body.
Ultrasound measures the aorta (the large artery that travels from the heart to the rest of the body) by detecting the speed and direction of moving blood. The aorta normally moves blood away from the heart and toward the body. When the aorta walls become weak and begin to bulge, blood can leak into the wall of the aorta and flow back into the space behind the aorta.
Some aortic aneurysms don’t cause any symptoms. If you find you have an aortic aneurysm, your doctor will usually carry out tests called an Ultrasound scan or an angiogram. These tests can help your doctor decide if you need treatment.