Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular ultrasounds are commonly used to monitor the flow of blood to tissue and organs within the body. This procedure can also be used to determine the severity of a person’s varicose veins or to find enlarged arteries. Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis may also be detected through a vascular ultrasound. This procedure will detect tumors, narrowing of blood vessels, and any blockages to blood flow.

The sonographer will request that you lay quietly during the test to help ensure that the images are clear. Warm, water-based gel will be applied to the ultrasound transducer or directly on the skin. The sonographer will then move the transducer around on the area to obtain clear images of the underlying structures and vessels for the physician to interpret.

The procedure typically lasts for 30 to 60 minutes, but the duration varies depending on the structure being examined.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s tissues, structures, and blood flow. A transducer/probe and ultrasound gel work in combination to absorb the reflected sound waves to produce images on the monitor.

• Before the test is administered, you may be asked to change into a gown
• Your physician may instruct you to fast prior to the exam

The benefits of Vascular Ultrasound:

• Ultrasound images are shown in real-time as they happen
• The structure and movement of the body’s internal organs and structures are able to be seen and recorded
• The exam is painless and non-invasive
• No ionizing radiation is used for this procedure

Risks you should be aware of:

• There are no known risks for ultrasound