| |
|
|
|
|
Mountain States Cardiology
Cardiovascular Ultrasound
|
Arterial Duplex Scan
An arterial duplex scan records images of the arteries in the arms, legs and neck via ultrasound, and also uses Doppler technology to observe the blood flow in these areas. This type of scan can diagnose such vascular conditions as peripheral venous disease and peripheral artery disease. It can also help detect blood clots or narrowed blood vessels.
|
|
Venous Duplex Ultrasound
An ultrasound machine uses a device called a transducer that sends sound waves through the body that are then reflected back, creating an image on a computer screen of internal body structures. In a venous duplex ultrasound, the sound waves are used to create images of the flow of blood through the veins in the arms and/or legs.
|
|
To prepare for this test, you may need to change into a medical gown. Tell the person conducting the test if you
are taking any medications, like blood thinners, that could affect your test results.
You will lie on a table, and the technician will spread a gel over the areas to be tested. Then he or she will move a transducer over those areas. The transducer sends out sound waves that allow the technician to see the arteries
in the arms and legs. You may be asked to lie in different positions or hold your breath during the scan. You may
hear a "swishing" sound, which is the sound of your blood flowing through your arteries.
You may also wear blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs so the technician can obtain your ankle-brachial index, another way to diagnose peripheral artery disease.
An arterial duplex scan is painless, and it usually takes about an hour. The results will be sent to your physician.
|
|
Your physician may request a venous duplex ultrasound if you are experiencing pain, shortness of breath, swelling, increased warmth, or bulging veins in your arms or legs. This type of ultrasound can help diagnose blood clots, including deep-vein thrombosis, and poor vein function.
No special preparation is necessary for a venous duplex ultrasound. To conduct the test, you will lie on a table and a technician will apply a clear gel to your arm or leg over the vein being tested. A transducer will be moved over your skin to send sound waves through your arm or leg. A radiologist or vascular surgeon may observe the monitor while the test is being conducted, or he or she may review a record of the test later.
The test will take between 15 and 45 minutes to complete. It may be mildly uncomfortable because the technician will be applying pressure to your arm or leg, but it is generally not painful. After a radiologist or vascular surgeon reads the images, the results will be sent to your physician. He or she will then discuss these results with you.
|
|
Segmental Arterial Doppler Pressures
If you have pain in your legs when you exercise, your doctor may be concerned about the quality of the circulation in your legs. In this case, he or she may request that you get a segmental arterial Doppler pressures test.
|
|
Carotid Ultrasound
A carotid ultrasound records images of the two carotid arteries in the neck via ultrasound, and also may use Doppler technology to observe the blood flow in these arteries.
|
This type of test measures the blood pressure in your legs to make sure the blood flow there is normal. If the blood pressure in your legs is low, it may indicate that you have cholesterol deposits in the arteries, which compromises the circulation.
Doppler ultrasound is used to detect and measure the blood flow in your legs in different locations to determine if you have any blockages in the arteries, and if so, where they are located.
The Doppler will be used to measure the blood pressure in your arms as a comparison. Blood pressure cuffs will be wrapped around your leg in several locations, which will then be inflated and deflated a couple of times. Clear gel will be applied to the skin, and a Doppler “wand” will be used to send sound waves through the leg. This technique will then be repeated for your other leg.
The test usually takes about 45 minutes. If the test is done both before and after exercise on a treadmill, it takes longer. Inflating the blood pressure cuffs can cause discomfort. It will only last a few minutes. No preparation is required for this test.
|
|
A carotid ultrasound is usually performed to detect narrowing, or stenosis, of the carotid artery, a condition that substantially increases the risk of stroke. It may also be used to detect a split between layers of the artery wall, to check the state of the carotid artery after surgery, or to verify the position of a metal stent in the artery.
The major goal of carotid ultrasound is to screen patients for blockage or narrowing of their carotid arteries, which may increase their risk of having a stroke. It may also be performed if a patient has high blood pressure or an abnormal sound in the neck that is heard with a stethoscope.
To prepare for this test, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may need to remove jewelry in the area to be scanned. Tell the person conducting the test if you are taking any medications, like blood thinners, that could affect your test results.
You will lie on a table, and the technologist will spread a gel over the areas to be tested. Then he or she will move a transducer over those areas. The transducer sends out sound waves that allow the technologist to see the carotid arteries. You may hear a “swishing” sound, which is the sound of your blood flowing through your arteries.
A carotid ultrasound is usually completed in about 30 minutes. There is no preparation required and no restrictions after the test.
The results will be reviewed by a radiologist, vascular surgeon or cardiologist and sent to your physician.
|
|
| |