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24-Hour Urine Collection (24-hour urine, urine volume) Procedure Overview What is a 24-hour urine collection? Click Image to Enlarge A 24-hour urine collection is a simple diagnostic procedure that measures the components of urine. The test is noninvasive (the skin is not pierced), and is used to assess kidney (renal) function. Twenty-four hour urine collection is performed by collecting a person's urine in a special container over a 24-hour period. The container must be kept cool during this time until...

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Abdominal Aneurysm - Open Repair, AAA Repair, Triple A Repair, Abdominal Aneurysmectomy, Endovascular Aneurysm Repair, EVAR) Procedure Overview What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair? Click Image to Enlarge Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is a procedure used to treat an aneurysm (abnormal enlargement) of the abdominal aorta. Repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may be performed surgically through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure called...

Amputation Procedure (Surgical Removal of an Extremity/Limb) Procedure Overview What is amputation? Amputation is a surgical procedure that involves removal of an extremity/limb (leg or arm) or a part of a limb (such as a toe, finger, foot, or hand), usually as a result of injury, disease, infection, or surgery (to remove tumors from bones and muscles). About 1.8 million individuals in the US are living with an amputation. Amputation of the leg (above and below-knee) is the most common type of amputatio...

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (MRI Scan of the Breast) Click Image to Enlarge Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does an MRI work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. The magnetic f...

Breast Scan (Breast Scintigraphy, Scintimammography, Radionuclide Breast Imaging, Molecular Breast Imaging) Procedure Overview What is a breast scan? A breast scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the breasts when other examinations have been inconclusive. Click Image to Enlarge A breast scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the breasts. The radioactive substa...

Breast Ultrasound (Breast Ultrasonography, Breast Sonogram, Mammographic Ultrasound, Sonomammography, Ultrasound Mammography) Procedure Overview What is breast ultrasound? Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the breasts. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts. The examination is often used along with mammography. Click Image to Enlarge Breast ultr...

Cardiac Catheterization Procedure (Cardiac Cath, Coronary Arteriogram, Coronary Angiogram) Procedure Overview What is cardiac catheterization? Cardiac catheterization is performed to further diagnose coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, and/or certain congenital (present at birth) heart conditions, such as atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect, when other less invasive types of diagnostic tests indicate the presence of one of these conditions. In cardiac...

Carotid Endarterectomy / Carotid Angioplasty with Stenting (Endarterectomy-Carotid, CEA, Carotid Artery Angioplasty with Stenting, CAS, Carotid Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty, CPTA/Stenting, Carotid Artery Stenting) Procedure Overview What are carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty with stenting? Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) are procedures performed to treat carotid artery disease in certain circumstances. Carotid artery disease, also cal...

Cervical Biopsy (Biopsy-Cervix, Cervical Punch Biopsy, Cone Biopsy, Conization) Procedure Overview What is a cervical biopsy? A cervical biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. It forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body. Types of cervical biopsies: There are several type...

Cesarean Delivery (Cesarean Section, C-section, Cesarean Birth) Procedure Overview What is a cesarean delivery? Click Image to Enlarge Cesarean delivery (also called a cesarean section or C-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is performed when it is determined to be a safer method than a vaginal delivery for the mother, baby, or both. In a cesarean delivery, an incision is made in the skin and into the uterus at the lower par...

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (CVS, Chorionic Villus Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is chorionic villus sampling? Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta, a structure in the uterus that provides blood and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems. The chorionic villi are tiny projections of placental tissue that look like fingers and contain the same genetic mate...

Colposcopy Procedure Overview What is colposcopy? Colposcopy is a procedure that uses an instrument with a magnifying lens and a light, called a colposcope, to examine the cervix (opening to the uterus) and vagina for abnormalities. The colposcope magnifies the image many times, thus allowing the physician to see the tissues on the cervix and vaginal walls more clearly. In some cases, a cervical biopsy, a small sample of tissue, may be taken for further examination in the lab. Click Image to Enlarge Wha...

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) (CABG, Open Heart Surgery, Bypass Surgery) Procedure Overview What is coronary artery bypass surgery? Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease in certain circumstances. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the narrowing of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle), caused by a buildup of fatty material within the walls of the arteries. This buildup causes t...

Craniotomy Procedure Overview What is a craniotomy? A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain. Specialized tools are used to remove the section of bone called the bone flap. The bone flap is temporarily removed, then replaced after the brain surgery has been performed. Some craniotomy procedures may utilize the guidance of computers and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] or computerized tomography [CT] scans) to reach the precise location within t...

Cryotherapy for Prostate Conditions (Cryosurgery, cryoablation) Procedure Overview What is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves killing cancer cells by freezing them and surrounding them with ice crystals. Tiny needles are placed directly into the tumor then argon gases are passed through the needles and exchanged with helium gases. This causes a freezing and warming cycle. For prostate treatment, the needles are often inserted using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided technology. The ...

Dilation and Curettage (D and C) (Dilatation and Curettage, D&C) Procedure Overview What is a dilation and curettage (D&C)? A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D&C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix (lower, narrow part of the uterus) is dilated (expanded) so that the cervical canal and uterine lining (endometrium) can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) to remove abnormal tissues in the uterus. A suction D&C uses suction to remove uterine contents....

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (DSE, Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography, Dobutamine Stress Echo) Procedure Overview What is a dobutamine stress echocardiogram? A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure that may be used when a physician wants to assess the heart muscle under stress. If exercise on a treadmill is not an option (too much stress on the heart) due to a person’s medical condition, a physician may use an intravenous medication called dobutamine. Dobutamine causes the heart...

Echocardiogram (Echocardiography, Echo, Cardiac Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasonography, Cardiac Doppler, Transthoracic Echocardiogram, TTE) Procedure Overview What is an echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, t...

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG, Resting ECG, Resting EKG) Procedure Overview What is an electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician's information and further interpre...

Electrophysiological Studies (EP Study, EPS, Electrophysiology Studies) Procedure Overview What is an electrophysiological study? An electrophysiological study (EP study) is an invasive procedure that tests the heart's electrical system. The electrical system of the heart generates the heart beat. During an EP study, a small, plastic catheter (tube) is inserted through a vein in the groin (or arm, in some cases) and is threaded into the heart, using a special type of x-ray, called fluoroscopy, to guide ...

Endometrial Ablation Procedure Overview What is an endometrial ablation? Endometrial ablation is a procedure to permanently remove a thin tissue layer of the lining of the uterus to stop or reduce excessive or abnormal bleeding in women for whom childbearing is complete. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. In some cases, endometrial ablation may be an alternative to hysterectomy. There are several techniques used to perform endometrial ablation including the following: electrical or elec...

Endometrial Biopsy (Biopsy-Endometrium) Procedure Overview What is an endometrial biopsy? An endometrial biopsy is a procedure performed to obtain a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. After the biopsy, the endometrial tissue is examined under a microscope to identify the presence of abnormal cells, or the effects of hormones on the endometrium. Other related procedures used to evaluate and treat endometrial problems include dilation and curettage (D & C), hyst...

Endovascular Coiling (Coiling, Coil Embolization, Detachable Coil Embolization, Endovascular Embolization, Intracranial Aneurysm Repair) Procedure Overview What is endovascular coiling? Endovascular coiling, also called coiling or endovascular embolization, is a procedure performed to block blood flow into an aneurysm (a weakened area in the wall of an artery). An aneurysm in the brain may be called a cerebral aneurysm, a brain aneurysm, or an intracranial aneurysm. Click Image to Enlarge Preventing blo...

Episiotomy Procedure Overview What is an episiotomy? Click Image to Enlarge An episiotomy is an incision through the vaginal wall and the perineum (the area between the thighs, extending from the vaginal opening to the anus) to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth. During a vaginal birth, the physician will assist the fetus' head and chin out of the vagina when it becomes visible. Once the head is out of the vagina, the physician usually rotates the fetus to the side and eases the shoul...

Exercise Echocardiogram (Stress Echocardiogram, Exercise Echocardiography, Exercise Echo) Procedure Overview What is an exercise echocardiogram? An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. An exercise echocardiogram is performed to assess the heart's response to stress or exercise. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer i...

Exercise Electrocardiogram (Exercise ECG, Exercise EKG, Stress Test) Procedure Overview What is an exercise electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician's informati...

External and Internal Heart Rate Monitoring of the Fetus (Fetal Monitoring, External and Internal) Procedure Overview What is external and internal fetal heart rate monitoring? Fetal heart rate monitoring is a procedure used to evaluate the well-being of the fetus by assessing the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat. During late pregnancy and labor, your physician may recommend monitoring the fetal heart rate and other functions. The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, a...

Femoral Popliteal Bypass Surgery (Femoropopliteal Bypass-Open, PTA, Balloon Angioplasty) Procedure Overview What are femoral popliteal bypass surgery and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the femoral arteries? Femoral popliteal (also called femoropopliteal) bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat severe blockage due to plaque in the femoral artery. A newer, minimally-invasive procedure is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the femoral arteries. The femoral and...

Fetal Ultrasound Click Image to Enlarge Procedure Overview What is a fetal ultrasound? Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother's uterus, or womb. During a fetal ultrasound, various parts of the baby, such as the heart, head, and spine, are identified and measured. The testing may be performed either through the mother's abdomen (transabdominal) or vaginal canal (transvaginal). Fetal ultrasound provides a non-invasive way to evaluate the health of...

Gamma Knife (Stereotactic radiosurgery, Gamma Knife surgery) Procedure Overview What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery? Gamma Knife radiosurgery, also called stereotactic radiosurgery, is a very precise form of therapeutic radiology. Even though it is called surgery, a Gamma Knife procedure does not involve actual surgery, nor is the Gamma Knife really a knife at all. It uses beams of highly-focused gamma rays to treat small- to medium-size lesions, usually in the brain. Many beams of gamma radiation join to ...

Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery Procedure (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, RYGBP, Biliopancreatic Diversion, BPD, Biliopancreatic Diversion and Duodenal Switch, BPD-DS) Procedure Overview What is gastric bypass surgery? Gastric bypass surgery, a type of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), is a procedure that alters the process of digestion. Bariatric surgery is the only option today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures such as diet, exercise, and med...

Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery Procedure (Gastric Banding Surgery, Adjustable Gastric Banding, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty) Procedure Overview What is gastric stapling (restrictive)surgery? Gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery is a type of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) procedure performed to limit the amount of food a person can eat. Bariatric surgery is the only option today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures such as diet, exercise,...

Heart Transplantation Procedure (Transplant-Heart, Heart Transplant, Cardiac Transplant) Procedure Overview What is a heart transplant? A heart transplant is a surgical procedure performed to remove the diseased heart from a patient and replace it with a healthy one from an organ donor. In order to remove the heart from the donor, two or more physicians must declare the donor brain-dead. Before a person can be put on a waiting list for a heart transplant, a physician makes the determination that there i...

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery (Open Heart Surgery) Procedure Overview What is heart valve repair or replacement surgery? Heart valve repair or replacement surgery is a treatment option for valvular heart disease. When heart valves become damaged or diseased, they may not function properly. Conditions which may cause heart valve dysfunction are valvular stenosis and valvular insufficiency (regurgitation). When one (or more) valve(s) becomes stenotic (stiff), the heart muscle must work harder ...

Holter Monitor (Continuous Electrocardiogram, Continuous ECG, Ambulatory ECG Monitoring) Procedure Overview What is a Holter monitor? The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) used to monitor the ECG tracing continuously for a period of 24 hours or longer. A standard or "resting" ECG is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest and abdomen. When the electrodes are connected ...

Hysterectomy Procedure (Removal of the Uterus) Procedure Overview What is a hysterectomy? Click Image to Enlarge Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time. The types of hysterectomy include: total hysterectomy Includes the removal of the entire uterus, including the fundus (the part of the uterus above the openings of the fallopian tubes) and the cervix, but not the tubes or ovaries. This is the most com...

Hysteroscopy Procedure Overview What is a hysteroscopy? Hysteroscopy is the visual examination of the canal of the cervix and interior of the uterus using a thin, lighted, flexible tube called a hysteroscope. The device is inserted through the vagina. Hysteroscopy may be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The hysteroscope allows for easy visual access to the interior of the cervix and uterus to assess the lining of these structures. Therapeutic maneuvers, such as taking a tissue sample (...

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion Procedure Overview What is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion? An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion is the implantation of an electronic device (just below the collarbone) used to help regulate electrical problems with the heart. An ICD monitors the heart's electrical activity and responds with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. An ICD can also record an...

Laparoscopy (Peritoneoscopy, Gynecologic Laparoscopy, Pelviscopy, Exploratory Laparoscopy) Procedure Overview Laparoscopy is a procedure used to examine the organs of the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy utilizes a laparoscope, a thin flexible tube containing a video camera. The laparoscope is placed through a small incision in the abdomen and produces images that can be seen on a computer screen. A similar procedure can be used to look at the organs of the pelvis (gynecologic laparoscopy or pelviscopy). T...

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone [LLETZ], Large Loop Excision of the Cervix [LLEC], Loop Cone Biopsy of the Cervix) Procedure Overview What is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)? Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a wire loop heated by electric current to remove cells and tissue as part of the diagnosis and treatment for abnormal or cancerous conditions in a woman’s lower genital tract. The lower genital tract i...

Lumpectomy (Breast Conservation Therapy, BCT, Quadrantectomy) Procedure Overview Click Image to Enlarge A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery that may be used as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed. However, the breast itself remains intact. The surgeon may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm to determine if the cancer has spread. Lymph nodes are bean-sha...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Heart (MRI Scan of the Heart, Cardiac MRI) Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does MRI work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient. This magn...

Mammogram Procedure (Mammography, Breast X-ray) Procedure Overview What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. The procedure allows detection of breast cancers, benign tumors, and cysts before they can be detected by palpation (touch). Mammography cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer, b...

Mastectomy Procedure Overview What is a mastectomy? A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a breast is removed as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. In some cases, mastectomy is performed prophylactically (to prevent cancer from occurring) in women with a high risk for developing breast cancer. Surgical treatment for breast cancer is generally divided into two categories: breast-conserving therapy (BCT) or mastectomy. BCT involves removing the least possible amount ...

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Resting (Resting Thallium Scan, Cardiac Nuclear Imaging, Cardiolite® Scan, Sestamibi Scan) Procedure Overview What is a resting myocardial perfusion scan? A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardial perfusion scan eva...

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Stress (Exercise Thallium, Stress Thallium, Cardiac Nuclear Imaging, Adenosine Thallium Scan, Cardiolite® Scan) Procedure Overview What is a stress myocardial perfusion scan? A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardia...

Pacemaker Insertion Procedure Overview What is a pacemaker insertion? A pacemaker insertion is the implantation of a small electronic device in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate electrical problems with the heart. When a problem develops, such as a slow heart rate, a pacemaker may be recommended to ensure that the heartbeat does not slow to a dangerously low rate. The heart's electrical conduction system: Click Image to Enlarge The heart is basically a pump made up of muscle tissue ...

PAP Test Procedure (Pap Smear, Pap Screening, Papanicolaou Test) Procedure Overview What is a Pap test? A Pap test, named after Dr. George Papanicolaou who designed the test, is a screening test to collect and microscopically examine cells taken from the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body. With a Pap test, cells can be collected from the vagina as well ...

Pelvic Ultrasound (Ultrasound-Pelvis, Pelvic Ultrasonography, Pelvic Sonography, Pelvic Scan, Lower Abdomen Ultrasound, Gynecologic Ultrasound, Transabdominal Ultrasound, Transvaginal Ultrasound, Endovaginal Ultrasound) Procedure Overview What is a pelvic ultrasound? A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the ...

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Stent Placement (PTCA, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, PCI) Procedure Overview What is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)? Click Image to Enlarge Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is performed to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and to restore arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery. A special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into th...

Radical Prostatectomy (Prostatectomy, Radical Prostatectomy, Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy, Radical Suprapubic Prostatectomy, Radical Perineal Prostatectomy, Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy, RP, RPP, RSP) Procedure Overview What is a prostatectomy? A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. It may be performed to treat prostatic cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A common surgical approach to prostatectomy includes making a surgical incision an...

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting (Resting RNA, MUGA, Gated Blood Pool Scan [Resting], Gated Cardiac Scan, Resting Gated Blood Pool Scan, Cardiac Blood Pool Imaging) Procedure Overview What is a resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA)? Resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue un...

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise (RNA, MUGA, Gated Blood Pool Scan [Resting and Exercise], Gated Cardiac Scan, Exercise Gated Blood Pool Scan, Cardiac Blood Pool Imaging) Procedure Overview What is a resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA)? Resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure ...

Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram (Signal-Averaged ECG, Signal-Averaged EKG, SAECG) Procedure Overview What is a signal-averaged electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the ...

Sleep Study (polysomnogram) Procedure Overview What is a sleep study? Sleep is a state of relative unconsciousness and stillness of the voluntary muscles (muscles that are controlled at will). The stages of sleep range from light to deep and each one has specific characteristics that can be measured. A sleep study consists of a number of medical tests performed at the same time during sleep. The tests measure specific sleep characteristics and help to diagnose sleep disorders. A sleep study may also be ...

Tilt Table Procedure (Upright Tilt Testing) Procedure Overview What is a tilt table procedure? A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person's past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of hear...

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE, Heart Scan with Endoscopy, Transesophageal Echocardiography) Procedure Overview What is a transesophageal echocardiogram? A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic procedure that uses echocardiography to assess the heart’s function. Echocardiography is a procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transdu...

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) Procedure Overview What is a transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP? A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure that removes portions of the prostate gland through the penis. A TURP requires no external incision. The surgeon reaches the prostate by inserting an instrument through the urethra (the narrow channel through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body). This instrument, called a resectoscope, is abou...

Ultrafast Computed Tomography (Ultrafast CT Scan) (Ultrafast CT, Electron-Beam Computed Tomography, EBCT, Cine CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is an ultrafast computed tomography scan (CT scan)? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, m...

Uterine Artery Embolization Procedure Overview What is uterine artery embolization? Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure that offers an alternative to traditional surgical removal of uterine fibroids. The procedure may also be referred to as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Uterine artery embolization shrinks fibroids by blocking off their blood supply. The blood supply is blocked by injecting very small particles into the arteries that supply the fibroids. The particles stick to the vess...