Did you know that cardiology utilizes the power of ultrasound waves to visually monitor heart health? Ultrasound technology is an essential method for catching blood flow irregularities; organ changes; blood clots; and damage in the heart, veins, and other vital organs. Using ultrasound waves (or sonography) and a transducer, a sonographer can see within the patient’s body without painful, invasive means. These images allow your specialist to study the arteries and determine any health concerns. Here are the six types of ultrasound treatments we use at Midwest Cardiovascular Institute and how they can benefit our patients.

1. Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

The aorta transports blood from the heart throughout the rest of your body. High blood pressure, hardened arteries, trauma, and other issues can cause an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This occurs when the aorta becomes enlarged, leading to deep pain in the back or abdomen. An abdominal aorta ultrasound detects aneurysms and blockages in the aorta, near the diaphragm. Your doctor will then determine the best ways to prevent your aneurysm from rupturing. And, depending on the aneurysm’s size, they may recommend surgery.

2. Arterial Ultrasound

Using ultrasound imaging, a sonographer views the arteries in your arms and legs. They will observe the speed of blood flow and search for any blockages in your arteries. Arterial ultrasounds can also identify areas where the arteries are narrowing. If your doctor notices blood clots or damage in your veins, he can assess your condition and determine the best methods of treatment to prevent further damage or health risks.

3. Carotid Ultrasound

Your carotid arteries are located on the sides of your head and neck. These pump blood to your brain. When these arteries become blocked with plaque, patients develop carotid artery disease. This leaves them at greater risk of suffering a stroke. This may occur as a smaller scale stroke called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Or, a blocked blood vessel may prevent blood flow to the brain, leading to an ischemic stroke. With a carotid duplex ultrasound, your specialist can see blockages in these arteries and then quickly determine a plan of treatment.

4. Echocardiogram 

With the use of ultrasound waves, cardiologists can view a picture of the patient’s heart. This helps uncover any structural abnormalities or irregularities in its beating pattern. While the size of one’s heart often correlates with the size of their body, some differentiation in size can occur. For example, an enlarged or thickened heart can indicate hypertrophy. Thanks to this ultrasound imaging, cardiologists can more quickly identify areas of damage.

5. Renal Artery Ultrasound

The renal arteries supply blood and oxygen from the aorta to the kidneys. When this flow is blocked or constricted, the kidneys are unable to receive the necessary nutrients for healthy function. A renal artery ultrasound uses Doppler technology to see through various thicknesses of tissue. This cardiovascular ultrasound allows your physician to notice any signs of renal artery stenosis, or obstruction of the kidneys that prevents proper waste elimination. Or if the renal artery is narrow, the patient is at higher risk of kidney failure or high blood pressure. With detailed imaging, patients can determine the right level of preventative measures or medical intervention needed to protect their kidney health.

6. What is a Venous Ultrasound

In cardiology, this form of ultrasound is used to view how easily blood flows through the veins. Your sonographer will observe any signs of blood clots as well as the direction of blood flow. This is especially effective for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and establishing preventative measures against pulmonary embolism. For patients with varicose veins, a venous ultrasound can help distinguish damaged valves. Or if a patient needs a catheter placed into a vein, this can help to guide the needle. 

Schedule an Appointment for a Cardiology Ultrasound Today!

Cardiology uses many forms of advanced technology for patient care, including ultrasound for cardiovascular diagnostic testing. At Midwest Cardiovascular Institute, our physicians are dedicated to providing you with the highest-quality care. And with multiple clinic locations, you can find the closest and most convenient services for your needs. Contact your closest clinic or request an appointment online. Let us help you promote greater heart health, prevent damage and illness, and learn more about how you can live a healthy lifestyle!

July 2, 2021

MIDWEST CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OPENS IN NAPERVILLE AND ELMHURST

Edward-Elmhurst Health Announces New Partnership with Cardiovascular Logistics of Chicago

NAPERVILLE- Twenty of the most well-known cardiologists in Chicagoland have opened a new practice, Midwest Cardiovascular Institute, also known as MCI, with locations in Naperville and Elmhurst. The offices are located on the Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital campuses, the same offices where many of them have practiced for more than 20 years. 

“We could not be more excited to offer our patients improved access to the most-innovative, highest-quality, cardiovascular care,” said Dr. Mark Goodwin, interventional cardiologist at MCI Naperville and President of MCI. “We have invested in several initiatives to improve your experience as a patient, including faster access to schedule appointments. We look forward to seeing you soon in our new practice.”

Ribbon cuttings were held on July 1 to commemorate the opening of the two clinics. Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clinic locations are as follows with free parking and easy access. Please note that, though the clinic locations are the same, the phone numbers have changed.

Clinic locations also include Elmhurst-Schiller St., Addison and Oak Park (through Elmhurst Clinic) as well as clinics in Plainfield, Sandwich and Yorkville.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to provide innovative treatment for cardiovascular disease in the Naperville and Elmhurst communities for more than 30 years,” said Dr. John Cahill, interventional cardiologist at MCI Elmhurst. “We are reopening with a renewed purpose and vision to increase access to our cardiology team.” 

MCI cardiologists diagnose and treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, valve disease, peripheral artery disease and venous disease in the legs, as well as advanced heart failure, arrhythmias and lipid management. The clinic offers same-day consultations, diagnostic services such as cardiac PET, nuclear medicine, cardiac and vascular ultrasound, and cardiac rhythm monitoring. 

Cardiologists practicing at MCI Naperville are Drs. Mark Goodwin, William Stephan, Anand Ramanathan, Stanley Clark, Moeen Saleem, Aman Ali, Maria Rosa Costanzo, Ann Davis, Kousik Krishnan, Victor Marinescu, and Stan Skaluba. Advanced practice nurses in Naperville include Julie Frommelt, Julie Kozlowski, and Erin Rizzo. Cardiologists practicing at MCI Elmhurst include Drs. John Cahill, Larry Barr, Anish Amin, Michael Brottman, Pratik Parikh, Cash Casey, Apoor Gami, Elmer Murdock, and Michael Trybula. Advanced practice nurses in Elmhurst include Cathy Adamson and Becky Hagensee.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 1-866-624-2778 or visit www.midwestcardio.com. 

MCI is managed by Cardiovascular Logistics of Chicago (CVLC), which now has a consulting and management partnership with Edward-Elmhurst Health, effective July 1. This partnership will enhance strategic planning, quality performance improvement and operational efficiency of the cardiovascular service line. 

“Throughout the communities we serve, Edward-Elmhurst Health is known for its technologically-advanced cardiovascular services, a program with exceptional quality and an extraordinary personal touch,” said Mary Lou Mastro, System CEO of Edward-Elmhurst Health. “This new relationship demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future of our cardiovascular program and ensuring that we continue to offer the highest level of care to our patients.”

As a part of this collaboration, CVLC will also co-manage Edward-Elmhurst Health’s cardiac catheterization labs at Edward Hospital in Naperville and Elmhurst Hospital, as well as assist with hospital rounding and oversight. Additionally, a Virtual Care Center will be built to accommodate the growing need for access to cardiovascular care in our community.

“We are very excited about this partnership,” explained David Konur, FACHE, CEO of Cardiovascular Logistics of Chicago, “where CVLC’s patient-focused expertise in managing cardiovascular programs and virtual care will enhance a program already known for its cardiovascular excellence.”

Learn more about heart and vascular care at Edward-Elmhurst Health.

About Midwest Cardiovascular Institute

Midwest Cardiovascular Institute (MCI) is a team of 20+ cardiologists and advanced practice nurses providing comprehensive cardiovascular care in Naperville and Elmhurst, Illinois. With a mission to provide the highest-quality cardiovascular care available, MCI is dedicated to putting patients first through clinical excellence, communication and compassion. MCI cardiologists represent nearly every specialty in heart and vascular medicine including treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease, structural heart defects, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, interventional cardiology, venous disease, nuclear cardiology, and lipid management. To learn more, visit www.midwestcardio.com.

About CVLC

CLVC was created by Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), based in Louisiana, to offer physician and management services to hospitals and cardiology practices looking for opportunities to enhance their cardiovascular service line. CIS has a 38-year history of success. In addition to the Edward-Elmhurst Health agreement, CIS has 11 co-management agreements across Louisiana and Mississippi, including 114 physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Their management services include cardiac cath lab operations, hospital rounding and oversight, and cardiovascular service line strategic planning.

About Edward-Elmhurst HealthEdward-Elmhurst Health, formed through the merger of Edward Hospital in Naperville and Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in 2013, is ranked as one of the nation’s Top 15 Health Systems by IBM Watson Health and is one of the top 10 health systems for cardiovascular care in Illinois*. Nearly 37,000 heart and vascular patients are treated at Edward-Elmhurst facilities annually. Edward and Elmhurst Hospitals are on the list of Healthgrades’ America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ in 2021 and Edward Hospital is among Healthgrades’ 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery™ in 2021.

*IHA COMPdata, CY 2020