Vascular Ultrasound

WHAT IS A VASCULAR ULTRASOUND?

Vascular ultrasounds are noninvasive imaging tests to evaluate blood flow within arteries and veins in nearly any body part, including blood vessels in the neck, abdomen, arms, and legs. A Doppler ultrasound study to evaluate blood flow through arteries or veins is usually part of this exam.

This procedure does not use ionizing radiation to capture images, has no known harmful effects and produces images of soft body tissues that aren't available on x-ray images.

During a vascular ultrasound exam, high-frequency sound waves are transmitted through the tissues of the area studied and reflect off the blood cells moving within the arteries or veins. A transducer collects the sound waves, which bounce back to the ultrasound machine. A computer records the sound waves that bounce back, creating an image of the examined blood vessels.

Because these images are produced in real-time, they can show structure and movement. The speed of the sound waves returning to the ultrasound machine calculates the speed of blood flowing in the vessel. When the speed of blood flow in a vessel is too fast, this indicates a narrowing or blockage.

What Are Some of the Common Uses of A Doppler Ultrasound Exam?

Ultrasound imaging is a valuable way of evaluating the body's circulatory system. Vascular ultrasound is performed to:

• Help monitor 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 or 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)
• Determine the source and severity of varicose veins

Doppler ultrasound can help us see and evaluate:

• Blockages to blood flow such as clots
• Narrowing of vessels
• Tumors and congenital vascular malformations
• Reduced or absent blood flow to various organs
• Greater than normal blood flow to different areas as is often seen in infections

BENEFITS OF A HAVING VASCULAR ULTRASOUND

• The ultrasound scanning is noninvasive (no needles or injections)
• Occasionally, an ultrasound exam may be temporarily uncomfortable but is rarely painful
• Ultrasounds are widely available, easy to use and less expensive than other imaging methods
• Ultrasound imaging is extremely safe and does not use any ionizing radiation (which is used in X-rays) 
• Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on X-ray images
• No contrast dye used
• The procedure is safe, and there are no side effects

HOW IS A VASCULAR ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION PERFORMED?

For most ultrasound exams, you will lie face-up on an examination table that may be tilted or moved. You may be turned to either side to improve the quality of the images. A clear, water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the ultrasound probe, also known as a transducer, make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the device and the skin. Air pockets can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The sonographer then places the transducer on the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest. The sonographer may change the device's angle to achieve sound waves from a different location to see the area of concern better.

Most patients feel no pain, although some may if the transducer passes over a sensitive area of your skin. You will feel some pressure as the transducer moves over your body. If a Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you may hear pulse-like sounds that change pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured.

When the examination is complete, the gel will be wiped off your body, and you may be asked to wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, although complex examinations may take longer. After your examination, you should be able to return to normal activities immediately.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A VASCULAR ULTRASOUND?

No special preparation is required for lower extremity venous or arterial ultrasound.  You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the procedure. Leave jewelry at home. You may need to remove all clothing and wear a gown during the exam. If your abdominal vessels are being examined, it is best to refrain from eating or drinking for six hours before the procedure.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF VASCULAR ULTRASOUND?

Vessels deep in the body are more challenging to see than superficial vessels. Specialized equipment or other tests such as CT or MRI may be necessary to visualize them properly. Smaller vessels are more difficult to image and evaluate than larger vessels. Calcifications resulting from atherosclerosis may obstruct the ultrasound beam.

COMMON TYPES OF VASCULAR ULTRASOUNDS

Carotid duplex ultrasounds examine the carotid arteries in the neck by measuring blood flow to detect the presence of atherosclerosis, or arterial narrowing caused by plaque, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Indications for a carotid ultrasound include weakness, paralysis, dysfunction or tingling of limbs, visual disturbances, changes in speech and balance disturbances. Upon listening to the blood flow in your neck with a stethoscope, we may also order a scan if we detect a sound or murmur.

Duplex ultrasound of the arms and legs is typically used to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Some indications for a scan include warmth, pain and swelling, as well as the presence of ulcers.

An aortic ultrasound looks for weaknesses in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The test looks for abnormalities that may lead to an aneurysm or a rupture of the blood vessel, which can be fatal.

Renal artery ultrasounds evaluate the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys. This test looks for blockages in or a narrowing of the renal arteries, which can contribute to hypertension or renal dysfunction.

A mesenteric duplex exam evaluates the arteries that lead to the liver, spleen, stomach, and intestines, and those within the kidney and the intestines to find narrowing or blood flow blockages that can lead to abdominal pain or an ischemic bowel.

A noninvasive flow study may be ordered if you have difficulty walking or have an ulcer on your foot. This type of ultrasound uses blood pressure cuffs on your arms, thighs, calves, ankles and feet to measure segmental pressures and pulse volume recordings, as well as the ankle-brachial index.

For more information on vascular ultrasound and your treatment options or to make an appointment, call us today at 425-250-9999. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.