Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the body's circulatory
system and help identify blockages in the arteries and veins and detect
blood clots. A Doppler ultrasound study is a technique that evaluates
blood flow through a blood vessel. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation,
has no known harmful effects, and provides images of soft tissues that
don't show up on x-ray images.
Common Uses for the Procedure
Vascular ultrasound is performed to:
- Help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body.
- Locate and identify blockages and abnormalities to help plan for effective
treatment.
- Detect blood clots (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the major veins of
the legs or arms.
- Evaluate the success of procedures that bypass blood vessels.
- Determine if there is an enlarged artery (aneurysm).
- Evaluate varicose veins.