Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound captures real-time images of the blood vessels inside the body. The test is useful for evaluating the body’s circulatory system and identifying blockages (stenosis), blood clots, plaque, or emboli. The exam can also help determine whether a patient is a good candidate for angioplasty.
Doppler ultrasound, a special application of the technology, measures the direction and speed of blood cells as they move through vessels. Computers covert the sounds into graphs or pictures that represent the blood flow. The exam is used to evaluate blood flow through a blood vessel, including the body’s major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs, and neck.
What Should I Expect?
You will change into a gown and lie on an exam table. A gel is applied to your skin to ensure that the transducer (the probe that emits the high-frequency sound waves) has good contact for sound transmission.
The transducer is placed on your skin and is moved over the area of interest as the technologist records various images. You should experience no pain or discomfort during the exam.
The radiologist will review your exam and a report of your exam will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.