Vascular ultrasounds are a type of non-invasive imaging that uses sound waves to produce clear images of blood vessels. This technology has revolutionized the way vascular conditions are diagnosed, providing numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.
In this blog, we will look at the benefits of these diagnostic tests, how they work, and what conditions reveal.
What Are Vascular Ultrasounds?
Also called vascular sonography, a vascular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures. Unlike other imaging techniques, such as X-rays and CT scans, ultrasounds do not involve the use of radiation. Instead, they rely only on sound waves that bounce off tissues and blood vessels to produce real-time images.
How Do Vascular Ultrasounds Work?
During a vascular ultrasound, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on the skin over the blood vessel(s) in question. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves and then receives the echoes that bounce back from the interior of the body. These echoes are converted into viewable, real-time images via a computer attached to the ultrasound machine.
Preparing for a Vascular Ultrasound
There is no special preparation, such as fasting, for a vascular ultrasound. However, you should come to our vein clinic dressed in comfortable, loosely fitting clothes. You may be asked to put on a hospital gown. Be sure to also leave your jewelry at home as metals can skew ultrasound results.
You will need no anesthesia of any kind as this sophisticated vascular testing is painless. Expect to be on the examination table for 30 to 60 minutes.
During and After the Ultrasound
Your healthcare provider will prepare the area to be examined with a water-based gel. During the examination, they will move a handheld transducer over your body, and the images will appear on a nearby monitor.
After the imaging is complete, your provider will wipe off the remaining gel. Then, you can get dressed.
Benefits of Vascular Ultrasounds for Our Patients
One of the main advantages of vascular ultrasounds is they are non-invasive. Unlike other imaging procedures, such as X-rays or CT scans, vascular ultrasounds do not involve any radiation. Instead, they rely on harmless sound waves to create images, making them safe and painless for everyone regardless of age or even physical health.
Immediate Results
Another benefit of vascular ultrasounds is their ability to provide real-time images. The imaging results can be viewed immediately by both the patient and the healthcare provider.
No Preparation
As previously stated, vascular ultrasound testing requires no special preparation, resulting in no downtime afterward. Patients can return to home, work, and their normal activities right away.
Versatility
Vascular ultrasounds are highly versatile. They accurately assess blood vessel structure and blood flow, including backflow, in real-time. They help cardiologists and other medical specialists diagnose and treat a number of important cardiovascular conditions, including:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Dangerous blood clots in the interior, or deep, veins in the legs.
- Carotid artery disease: The formation of stroke-causing plaque in the large arteries in the neck.
- Aneurysm: The weakening and enlargement of a blood vessel, such as the aorta, which potentially leads to rupture and internal bleeding.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): A narrowing or blockage of arteries in the arms, legs, stomach, or other areas of the body outside the heart.
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): A condition caused by poorly functioning check valves in leg veins.
- Varicose veins in the legs: Bulging, enlarged veins that often affect the legs.
With the ability to provide detailed images and measurements of blood vessels, vascular ultrasounds aid in the early detection and treatment of these conditions. They also assist providers in delivering ongoing vascular treatments and in tracking any changes in blood vessels and blood flow over time.
Vascular Ultrasounds in Boca Raton, FL
At Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute, Dr. Eli Levine and Dr. Michael Schechter use our onsite vascular ultrasound capabilities to diagnose, treat, and monitor a number of conditions affecting veins and arteries. If you or a loved one are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing, please contact us for a friendly and helpful consultation with one of these board-certified physicians.
Call us today at (561) 235-5621 or request your visit here. The team at Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute looks forward to greeting you soon.
