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Cardiology Specialist of Orange County (CSOC)
CSOC offers patients a variety of cardiac services and information. Please choose below for more information. Non-invasive Cardiology/Testing/Treatment/Expertise: These tests and treatments are performed in our accredited labs by our professional and patient focused staff. If you have any questions regarding any of these tests/procedures, please feel free to contact our lab at (714) 647-2577. 2-D Echocardiogram with Doppler/Color Flow Doppler echocardiography utilizes ultrasound to record blood flow within the cardiovascular system. Doppler echocardiography is based upon the changes in frequency of the backscatter signal from small moving structures, ie, red blood cells, intercepted by the ultrasound beam.
Return to top of page. Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound This test is to assess the size of the aortic vessel to determine if there is an aneurysm or bulge in the aorta or to monitor the size of the known aneurysms. In conjunction with this imaging we will assess the blood flow with both pulsed Doppler and color flow Doppler.
Return to top of page. Arterial Doppler Ultrasound The lower extremity arterial Doppler test is useful screening procedure that measures the blood flow through the arteries in legs and to determine if there is blockage. The vascular technician will use an ultrasound transducer to evaluate the arteries from your groin to your ankle at several different sites. Blood pressure cuffs will be applied to your arms and legs. The result of your test will be carefully reviewed and interpreted by the cardiologist.
Return to top of page. Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Imaging The Carotid Doppler study utilizes ultrasound to record blood flow and changes in frequency shift with proper setting of the color flow parameter during real time scanning of the carotid artery. Doppler evaluation is the determination of the presence or absence of blood flow to identify presence of stenosis or occlusion of the vessels.
Return to top of page. Echocardiogram Echocardiography is also referred to as cardiac ultrasound. The examination uses high frequency sound waves to generate pictures of the heart. These images are displayed on a monitor as they are recorded. During the examination the patient lies on their left side while the technician uses a small transducer to image pictures of the heart. Echocardiography can help in the assessment of a variety of heart conditions including previous heart attacks, congenital heart defects as well as valvular abnormalities. The examination takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Return to top of page. Event Monitoring An Event Monitor is an ambulatory ECG that records the electrical activity of the heart for 30 consecutive days. This testing is extremely helpful in assessing irregular heart activity including atrial fibrillation, tachyrrhtymias and bradyrrhythmias. Two ECG electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest and the monitor is activated. Upon symptoms, the patient pushes a button to activate the monitor and transmits the tracing via telephone to the monitoring station. At the end of the 30-day monitoring period the patient mails the monitor back to the monitoring station. The initial hook up and enrollment for the event monitor is approximately 15-20 minutes. Return to top of page. External Counterpulsation (ECP) Therapy ECP is a non-invasive procedure that can reduce the symptoms of Chronic Angina. Air is pumped into a series of cuffs placed on the calves, thighs and buttocks that compress the lower extremities increasing the blood flow back to the heart. This stimulates the formation of small branches of blood vessel (collaterals) which circumvent any blocked arteries. ECP feels like a vigorous massage. The treatment is one hour a day for 35 treatments. There is no preparation before the treatment. The patient lies on a comfortable table and they have a choice of watching television or listening to their favorite music. There are several time slots available to accommodate the patient schedule. Medicare and most insurance companies with the diagnosis of chronic, stable angina, cover ECP. There are no real side effects other than the first week your leg muscles might feel as if you have done some exercising. Patients usually start noticing improvement after the first two weeks, by having increased energy and less chest pain. Return to top of page. Holter Monitoring A Holter monitor is an ambulatory ECG that records electrical activity of the heart for 24 consecutive hours. This testing is extremely helpful in assessing irregular heart activity including atrial fibrillation, tachyrrhtymias and bradyrrhythmias. Five ECG electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest and the monitor is activated. The patient performs their usual activities and returns in 24 hours for disconnection. The technician scans the data and generates a report that is interpreted by a physician. The examination hook up and disconnect is approximately 15 minutes Return to top of page. Renal Doppler Ultrasound This test uses sound wave to take images of your kidneys and arteries going to and in the kidneys. This test to determine any blockage in renal arteries, size and shape of kidneys as well as to detect a mass, cyst or kidney stone. This examination usually takes 60-90 minutes.
Return to top of page. Resting Electrocardiography (EKG) Resting electrocardiography is a non-invasive test that involves monitoring the heart via electrodes attached to a monitoring unit. This test is done to detect coronary artery disease by evaluating cardiac motion when the patient is at rest. It is also used as a baseline for comparison to a stress test. This exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
Return to top of page. Stress Echocardiography Stress echocardiography is a non-invasive stress test that involves echocardiography before and immediately after an exercise stress test. This test is done to detect coronary artery disease by evaluating cardiac motion when increased demands are placed on the heart. This exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
Return to top of page. Treadmill Stress Echocardiography Stress echocardiography is a non-invasive stress test that involves echocardiography before and immediately after an exercise stress test. This test is done to detect coronary artery disease by evaluating cardiac motion when increased demands are placed on the heart. This exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
Return to top of page. Venous Doppler Ultrasound Hi-resolution ultrasound system is utilized for evaluation of the deep and superficial veins of the extremity. The venous ultrasound exam is to search for blood clots especially in the veins of the leg. Flow visualization and flow augmentation with Doppler ultrasound are used to exclude venous obstruction.
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