Vascular Ultrasound

What is a vascular ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to evaluate your blood vessels and blood circulation. The test is used to evaluate veins and arteries anywhere in your body. Carotid ultrasound and abdominal aorta ultrasound are types of vascular ultrasounds.

During vascular ultrasound, sound waves are transmitted into your body through an ultrasound wand, called a transducer, that echo off the blood cells traveling through your veins and/or arteries and relays the echo to a computer that uses the information to generate a real-time image of your blood flow.

The speed at which the sound waves return to the computer determines the speed at which your blood is flowing. A faster flow of blood could indicate a narrowing of the blood vessel.

Why would I need vascular ultrasound?

Your primary care physician or specialist at COR Healthcare Medical Associates can explain to you why you would benefit from vascular ultrasound. The diagnostic test could be recommended to confirm or rule out:

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Chronic venous insufficiency

Vascular ultrasound can also be used to evaluate the status of a stent after placement. A stent is a metal mesh tube that improves blood flow through a narrowed or blocked blood vessel.

How do I prepare for vascular ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound is generally noninvasive and painless and preparation prior to the test isn’t usually necessary.

However, the board-certified cardiologists at COR Healthcare Medical Associates will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your vascular ultrasound based on your specific test and needs.

What can I expect during vascular ultrasound?

Your vascular ultrasound is done at the office. Though the tests are painless, the specifics of what to expect during your diagnostic test will depend on the area of your body being evaluated.

The team at COR Healthcare Medical Associates can share the details of your procedure with you prior to your test to ease your fear. After you’ve completed your test, you should be able to resume your normal activities unless directed otherwise by the team.

The team schedules a follow-up appointment after your vascular ultrasound to review the details of your test and your treatment plan.

For comprehensive care from a state-of-the-art cardiology group, call COR Healthcare Medical Associates or request an appointment online.