Vascular Ultrasound (Arterial & Venous Ultrasound)

Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive ultrasound method (also called a duplex study) used to examine the blood circulation in the arms and legs. Non- invasive means the procedure does not require the use of needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia.

During a vascular ultrasound, sound waves are transmitted through the tissues of the area being examined. These sound waves reflect off blood cells moving within the blood vessels, allowing the reading physician to calculate their speed. The sound waves are recorded and displayed on a computer screen.

Your physician has recommended that you have this test to evaluate the blood flow to specific part in your body. Vascular ultrasound can be used to evaluate:

Locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities like plaque or emboli and help plan for their effective treatment.
Evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels.
Determine if there is an enlarged artery (aneurysm).
Detect blood clots (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the legs or arms.
Determine the source and severity of varicose veins.

Your ultrasound test is performed by specially trained technologists and interpreted by your cardiologist.  You will lie on the bed during the test.  A small amount of water-soluble gel is applied to the skin over the area to be examined. The gel does not harm your skin or stain your clothes.  A small device called a transducer is placed over the gel-coated area to be examined. The transducer produces images on the ultrasound screen. There may be some minor discomfort during the exam when the technologist applies pressure to your arms or legs. You may hear noises when the technologist listens to the blood flow and records the measurements.
The ultrasound takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
There is no special preparation before the test