Arterial/Venous
ARTERIAL/VENOUS
Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to evaluate the body’s circulatory system in the arteries and veins to help identify blockages to blood flow, narrowing of vessels, tumors and congenital vascular malformations. A Doppler ultrasound study – a technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel – is usually part of this exam. Arterial and Venous ultrasound studies can include the arms, legs, neck and abdomen.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ULTRASOUND
Lower Extremity
Wear loose shorts or comfortable, easy to remove clothing
Upper Extremity
Tank top or comfortable, easy to remove clothing.
Carotid
Wear loose neck shirt (no collared or high neck shirts)
Aorta
Do not eat or drink eight hours before the exam. Take medications with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic, please take your insulin.
Indications for an Vascular Ultrasound
- Pain/Tenderness in extremity
- Swelling
- Rest Pain
- Discoloration
- Edema
- Shortness of Breath
- Abdominal Aneurysm
- Pre/Post Surgery
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Patient is a Smoker
- Non-Healing Ulcer
- Claudication
- History of DVT
- History of PAD
- CVA/TIA
- Suspected arterial embolization
- Arterio-venous fistula
- Trauma
WHAT ULTRASOUND CAN DETERMINED
- Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
- Popliteal Aneurysm
- Baker’s Cyst
- Stenosis
- Arterial Blockage
- Blood Clots
- Venous Insufficiency
