When it comes to monitoring the condition of your veins and arteries, a vascular ultrasound can help. Whether you are showing signs of a vascular concern, have been diagnosed with a disease, or are striving to prevent a vascular illness from occurring in the future, a vascular ultrasound can give your healthcare provider a clear image of how well blood is flowing to the organs and tissues throughout your body. Here is what you need to know about how undergoing a vascular ultrasound at The Vascular Institute of the Rockies may benefit you.
What is Vascular Ultrasound?
Vascular ultrasound, also known as a duplex study, is a noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to examine the blood flow of the veins and arteries in a person’s arms, legs, and neck. This procedure is safe, fast, and painless. It is commonly performed by an ultrasound technician who has been specially trained to administer ultrasound tests. A radiologist or qualified physician will then interpret the results of the ultrasound.
How Does It Work?
Vascular ultrasounds do not use radiation in the way that an X-ray would. Instead, vascular ultrasounds are performed using a small probe, called a transducer, and special gel that is applied directly to the person’s skin, allowing high-frequency sound waves to move from the probe, through the gel, into the person’s body, and back into the probe. These sound waves are then transmitted to a computer where detailed images of the person’s blood vessels and soft tissues are displayed.
Benefits of Vascular Ultrasound
Undergoing a vascular ultrasound can provide a variety of benefits to individuals who have been diagnosed with a vascular condition or who are interested in using it as a screening tool. Some of these benefits include:
- Detecting blood clots in the deep veins of the body, such as the legs, (DVT).
- Determine if arteries are narrowing and how severe the condition may be.
- Evaluate how well blood is flowing through veins and arteries
- Evaluate how a patient is doing after undergoing a procedure, such as having a stent placed.
- Diagnose venous insufficiency, a condition in which the valves inside of your veins may not be functioning well and causing swelling
Common Uses for Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasounds can be used to monitor the condition of your veins and arteries along with diagnosing potential concerns. Your healthcare provider may recommend having a vascular ultrasound for many reasons, including:
- Evaluating varicose veins.
- Monitoring how your blood is flowing to certain organs and/or tissues.
- Locating blockages or other vascular abnormalities.
Vascular ultrasounds are also a safe and effective procedure to use on children. They are often used to determine where to put a catheter or needle in a vein or artery to avoid complications, such as bleeding or nerve injury. Likewise, they can monitor congenital vascular malformations that a child may be born with.
Schedule Your Vascular Ultrasound at The Vascular Institute of the Rockies
Being aware of your vascular health has never been easier. With vascular specific ultrasound, your healthcare provider can evaluate both venous and arterial circulation. If you are having symptoms concerning for venous or arterial insufficiency, consult your primary care provider to discuss a potential referral to the specialists with the trusted team at The Vascular Institute of the Rockies.
Read More from CardioVascular Institute of The Rockies
Who Is Most at Risk for Fibromuscular Dysplasia?
Keeping your blood vessels healthy is one of the most important steps you can take to live a long, healthy life. Along with eating a
What are the Complications of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair?
When your blood vessels aren’t healthy, your overall well-being is put into jeopardy. In fact, many vein and artery conditions can lead to life-threatening complications,
Can a DVT Go Away on Its Own? What You Need to Know
Being diagnosed with a blood clot can be a scary experience. While some blood clots are a normal part of your bodily function and will
What Does Claudication Feel Like? Causes and Symptoms
What does claudication feel like and what are the most common causes? When your arteries are not healthy, your overall quality of life can be
Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE) for Knee Pain Relief
By Monika Neale, MS III GAE – POSSIBLE NEW SOLUTION FOR SOME KNEE PROBLEMS The network of the geniculate arteries comprises six arteries that supply
Arterial vs. Venous Ulcers of the Lower Extremity
By Monika Neale, MS III The two most common types of lower extremity wounds are venous and arterial ulcers. Although they may look and sound