Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the body’s circulatory system and help identify blockages in the arteries and veins. It can also detect blood clots.
Doppler ultrasound may also be used in a clinic to evaluate blood flow through blood vessels. Ultrasound does not use and harmful radiation and has no known harmful side-effects.
You really don’t need any special preparation outside of possibly removing jewelry and watches and wearing lose clothing to your appointment.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Vascular ultrasound is performed to:
• help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body.
• locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities like plaque or emboli and help plan for their effective treatment.
• detect blood clots (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the major veins of the legs or arms.
• determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.
• evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels.
• determine if there is an enlarged artery (aneurysm).
• evaluate varicose veins.
In children, ultrasound is used to:
• aid in the placement of a needle or catheter into a vein or artery to help avoid complications such as bleeding, nerve injury or pseudo-aneurysm (abnormal outpouching of an artery with the risk of rupture).
• evaluate a connection between an artery and a vein which can be seen in congenital vascular
Key Takeaways
- Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
- Vascular ultrasound provides pictures of the body's veins and arteries.
- A Doppler ultrasound study is usually part of a vascular ultrasound examination.
More info: Radiology Info
Author - Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu
SPECIALTIES: Percutaneous aneurysm repair, endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, treatment for varicose veins, open vascular surgical procedures, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism treatment and aesthetic services.
