by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Peripheral vascularultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic technique used to evaluate the health of blood vessels. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to capture an image, similar to the use of sonar in submarines.
Most blood vessels, both arterial and venous, can be evaluated safely with ultrasound.
The diseases that affect blood vessels are primarily atherosclerosis of arteries and slowing of blood flow through veins. These conditions can lead to clotting and embolism (blockage of a blood vessel by a clot that has traveled from another location).
Atherosclerosis of arteries is the leading cause of strokes , heart attacks , and peripheral vascular occlusive disease .
Veins most often causing trouble are those in the legs and lower abdomen. When their flow dynamics are disturbedusually by incompetent valvesblood flow slows, the veins enlarge and become varicose , and clots can form, causing inflammation of the veins or sending blood clots into the lungs.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
The procedure is also used to evaluate the results of vascular surgery. Risk Factors for Complications During the ProcedureThis procedure is completely safe and noninvasive. There are no complications. What to Expect Prior to ProcedureYou may be asked to stop smoking and avoid taking anything by mouth for the eight or so hours before the procedure. AnesthesiaNone Description of the ProcedureThere are two types of ultrasound. One is a simple one-dimensional beam that detects movement by making a swishing sound. This is used to detect a babys heartbeat in the womb, blood flow in arteries that may be compromised by atherosclerosis, or trauma and blood flow in veins that are varicose or contain clots. The other technique is a combination of two dimensional imaging and Doppler sensing . Two-dimensional imaging produces pictures of babies in the womb and the heart as it beats. When Doppler detection is added, blood flow in the imaged structures is colored red or blue, depending upon which way the blood is flowing. The combined image gives a detailed picture of both anatomy and function. After ProcedureThere are no after effects. You will be able to return to your usual activities. How Long Will It Take?30-60 minutes
Will It Hurt?No Possible ComplicationsNone Average Hospital StayNone Postoperative CareNone OutcomeThis is a diagnostic procedure. Its results may indicate the need for vascular surgery. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following OccursThere are no problems anticipated. Your doctor will notify you of the test results. RESOURCES: American Heart Associationhttp://www.americanheart.org Society of Radiologists in Ultrasoundhttp://www.sru.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Mount Sinai Hospital, Canadahttp://www.mtsinai.on.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canadahttp://ww2.heartandstroke.ca References: Mercy Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.mercydesmoines.org/services/iowaHeartHospital/vascularUltrasound.asp . Accessed September 1, 2005. Peripheral vascular library. Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters website. Available at: http://www.chkd.org/about_us/Radiology/PVL.pdf . Accessed September 1, 2005. Society for Vascular Ultrasound website. Available at: http://www.svunet.org/ . Accessed September 1, 2005. Last reviewed November 2007 by J. Peter Oettgen, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
