Diagnostic Vascular Ultrasound Specialist

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging tool that uses sound wave technology to create images of the internal organs and structures in your body. Ultrasound is used to evaluate and diagnose many health issues, including those that affect your blood vessels. 

What is a diagnostic vascular ultrasound?

A diagnostic vascular ultrasound evaluates your blood vessels and the movement of blood through your arteries and veins. During a diagnostic vascular ultrasound, the team at Vascular and Interventional Associates uses an ultrasound transducer that transmits sound waves into your body. 

The sound waves hit the blood cells as they travel through your blood vessels and bounce back to the transducer, which sends the information to a computer that translates the information into images displayed on a computer monitor.

During your diagnostic vascular ultrasound, the team may also perform a Doppler ultrasound, which estimates how fast your blood moves through your blood vessels. 

Why would I need a diagnostic vascular ultrasound?

During your consultation, the team at Vascular and Interventional Associates assesses your particular situation and explains why you need a diagnostic ultrasound. 

The noninvasive procedure may be recommended to:

• Monitor the flow of blood through your body and to specific organs
• Find blood clots
• Diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Evaluate your varicose veins
• Assess the status of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter before removal

The team may also use diagnostic vascular ultrasound to assist with imaging during a procedure, such as prostate artery embolization (PAE) for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. 

What happens during a diagnostic vascular ultrasound?

The team reviews what you can expect during your diagnostic vascular ultrasound so you know how to prepare and what to expect. In most cases, you shouldn’t have to make any changes to your usual routine prior to the test. You just need to wear comfortable clothing and leave all valuables (rings, watches, bracelets) at home.

During your diagnostic vascular ultrasound, you lie on an exam table and the ultrasound technician applies a special gel to your skin, which improves imaging and movement of the transducer. The technician gently presses the transducer against your skin and moves it around to generate the desired images.

After your diagnostic vascular ultrasound, you can resume your usual activities. The team reviews the information gathered during your ultrasound and schedules a follow-up appointment to discuss their findings and recommendations.

To learn more about the diagnostic vascular ultrasound, contact Vascular and Interventional Associates by phone or use the online booking tool today.