Early Detection.
A 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. It can also evaluate arteries or veins in nearly any part of the body.
A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that examines blood circulation in the legs. Using this one simple method, Dr. Laura Garvey at The Vein Center at MetroDerm can evaluate the arteries to determine whether or not there is a blockage or narrowing of leg arteries.
A vascular ultrasound is unlike other imaging tests. It does not require contrast dye or radiation. Instead, high-frequency sound waves are used to produce images of the blood vessels in the legs.
About a Vascular Ultrasound Procedure
A transducer is used to direct a beam of high-frequency sound waves into the body. The sound waves reflect off of internal structures and send an echo back to the transducer. All of this information is processed to a computer, which creates an image of your vessels.
A vascular ultrasound also allows Dr. Garvey to determine the speed of blood flow. This is done by evaluating how quickly the sound waves return back to the transducer. If the blood is moving too quickly, this may be an indication of narrowing or blockage.
This is a non-invasive procedure, so very little preparation is required. If Dr. Garvey will be examining the blood vessels in your abdomen, you may be instructed not to drink or eat for 24 hours. Although this is a painless procedure, you may still feel some discomfort from the pressure of the transducer. In most cases, exams last between 30 and 90 minutes.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results may vary.
