Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound (ultrasonography) test is a painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted through body tissues, and then record the echoes and transform them into video or photographic images to evaluate the body's blood circulatory system, a test that would help identify any blockages in the arteries and veins and detect blood clots, and also diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and conditions.
A Doppler ultrasound study, a technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel is commonly a part of this exam. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides images of soft tissues that x-ray images do not show.
Uses
Vascular ultrasound test is a useful method to evaluate the body's blood circulatory system. Vascular ultrasound procedure is performed to:
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Help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout your body.
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Locate and identify blockages, and abnormalities such as plaque or emboli and help plan for a proper treatment.
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Detect blood clots (deep venous thrombosis) in the major veins of your legs and arms.
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Evaluate if a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.
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Evaluate the success of procedures made to treat your circulatory system.
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Determine if there is any enlarged arteries.
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Evaluate varicose veins to plan the proper treatment.
In children, ultrasound is used to:
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Help in the placement of a needle or catheter into a vein or artery to help avoid complications such as bleeding, nerve injury or any abnormal outpouching of an artery with the risk of rupture.
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Evaluate the connection between an artery and a vein which can be seen in congenital vascular malformations and in dialysis fistula.
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If a line is placed in an artery or vein of the legs or arms, there is a much higher chance of developing a clot around it due to the smaller vessel size, especially in infants and young children.
In some instances, a clot may form in the arm or in the left leg with the latter extending into the major vein of the abdomen. Plaque formation is not frequently seen in children but there may be compression at the inlet of the chest.
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Doppler ultrasound images helps your doctor to see and evaluate:
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Blockages to blood flow and any if there are any clots
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Narrowing of your vessels
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Tumors and congenital vascular malformations
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Reduced or absent blood flow to your body organs, such as testes or ovary
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Increased blood flow, which can possibly be a sign of infection
Preparations
Wear comfortable clothes. You may be asked to remove all clothing and accessories in the area to be examined.
You also may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
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It is best to fast a few hours before the procedure if your abdominal vessels are being examined.
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Please be aware that ultrasound tests are very sensitive to motion, and any motion can prolong the examination process.
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