Ultrasound, also known as sonography, has been in use for years. In the past, sonar technology was used to detect underwater objects, and the idea of using sound waves in the medical field also came from there. Since then, the technology has expanded rapidly and is now vastly used in the field of medicine.
While ultrasound is well-known for the benefits it offers in pregnancy, it can also be used as a screening and diagnostic tool for vascular conditions. Vein doctors recommend an ultrasound to check for the health of the vascular system and find any abnormality in the blood vessels.
Let’s talk about why you may need a vascular ultrasound, what happens during a vascular ultrasound, and where you can go in Boca Raton, FL, for the best vascular ultrasound.
Vascular Ultrasound: What Is It?
Vascular ultrasound, also known as duplex study, is a remarkably versatile noninvasive procedure that examines blood circulation in the blood vessels of the body, especially the arms and legs. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissue structure, such as blood vessels, and can also detect any blockage in the vascular system.
As a non-invasive procedure, vascular ultrasound requires no needles or anesthesia, and there will be no need to use any radiations or contrast dye.
Why You Might Need It?
There are many good reasons your doctor may order a vascular ultrasound. Some of these are:
- To check the signs and symptoms of vascular problems, like decreased blood flow in the vessels (particularly arteries and veins) of the neck, arms, and legs
- To assess vascular dialysis devices, such as an A-V fistula in the arm
- To assess if the procedure you have done before to restore blood flow is successful
- To determine your eligibility for procedures like angioplasty
Additionally, vascular ultrasound may also help diagnose:
- Aneurysm (dilation of heart muscles or aorta)
- Atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries by plaque)
- Thrombus (blood clot in vessels)
- Embolus (a blood clot that moves through blood vessels and gets stuck in a vessel)
- Varicose veins (large and bulging veins due to valvular incompetency or failure)
- Inflammatory conditions of blood vessels
What Happens During Vascular Ultrasound?
Vascular ultrasound is a simple procedure performed on an outpatient basis. No special preparation is required for the vascular ultrasound. Besides, the entire vascular ultrasound process takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete.
During the ultrasound, you will be asked to lie on an examination table and a small amount of water-soluble gel is applied to your skin over the area to be examined. Then, your technician will place a small device called a transducer over your gel-covered area, which will send sound waves and record the returning waves. The transducer will produce the images on the ultrasound screen. The transducer will also be moved over your skin to compare the blood flow in different areas of your blood vessel.
As for arterial studies of the legs, your technician will also use blood pressure cuffs, which will be placed in different areas to compare the blood pressure in those areas.
Vascular Ultrasound in Boca Raton, FL
If you suspect a vascular system problem like chronic venous disease and seek diagnosis and treatment, look no further than Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute. Our board-certified doctors will assess your symptoms, evaluate your medical history, and order diagnostic tests like ultrasound. We offer noninvasive testing right in our office to save you the time, money, and hassle of traveling to another facility for noninvasive tests like vascular ultrasound. We also offer treatment for vascular problems.
To know more about our services or schedule an appointment with our providers, call us today at (561) 235-5621 or arrange an appointment online now.
