Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, employs sound waves to visualize a patient’s internal organs or baby prior to birth. During an ultrasound procedure, a microphone-like instrument called a transducer sends sound waves into the body. Using a gel to improve contact, the hand-held transducer is scanned over the skin. The sound waves travel into the body and reflect back to the transducer, where the sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as real-time visual images. The procedure is painless and no radiation is used.

Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy, but is also a useful way of evaluating the body’s circulatory system by helping to monitor blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body, as well as evaluate the placement and success of repair. Ultrasound can also locate abnormalities in various organs, narrowed arteries or clotted veins, or growths such as tumors or cysts.

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