Peripheral Vascular Ultrasound
Posted June 22, 2008 5:42 PM
Posted in
Definition
Peripheral vascular ultrasound 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.
Parts of the Body Involved
Most blood vessels, both arterial and venous, can be evaluated safely with ultrasound.
Reasons for Procedure
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 disturbed—usually by incompetent valves—blood flow slows, the veins enlarge and become varicose , and clots can form, causing inflammation of the veins or sending blood clots into the lungs.
Leg Veins
© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
The procedure is also used to evaluate the results of vascular surgery.
Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure
This procedure is completely safe and noninvasive. There are no complications.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
You may be asked to stop smoking and avoid taking anything by mouth for the eight or so hours before the procedure.
Anesthesia
None
Description of the Procedure
There 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 baby’s 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 Procedure
There 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 Complications
None
Average Hospital Stay
None
Postoperative Care
None
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
References:
Mercy Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.mercydesmoines.org/services/iowaHeartHospital/vascularUltrasound.asp . Accessed September 1, 2005.
Peripheral vascular library. Children’s Hospital of the King’s 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, MD
Please 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.
Source: EBSCO
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