Blood Vessel Ultrasounds

What are Blood Vessel Ultrasounds?

An ultrasound of the blood vessels uses high frequency sound waves to create a live image from inside of a patient’s body. It is a painless test that is used in the medical field today. An ultrasound is also sometimes referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography, or ultrasonography. The medical professional that performs an ultrasound is called a sonographer.

As an ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is regarded as being a safe scan. Because of this, it is the preferred method to use during pregnancy.

An ultrasound diagnoses problems with internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue structures within the body. Although generally associated with being used during pregnancy, an ultrasound is used to examine many other parts of the body including the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and many other internal structures.

A Doppler ultrasound is a type of ultrasound used to examine blood vessels, arteries or veins in any part of the body.

Reasons for a Blood Vessel Ultrasound:

Ultrasounds are used for a multitude of reasons. A physician may order an ultrasound if a patient is experiencing any pain, swelling, or other abnormalities that require an internal view of the organs.

A blood vessel ultrasound can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a biopsy. They are important in planning for certain types of therapy and surgery, as well as in the aftermath to determine whether the patient’s body is responding to treatment.

Ultrasounds can be used to detect cysts, obstructions, and infections in the body. They can also measure blood flow in the arteries to detect blockages.

An ultrasound may be used to check for certain cancers in various different ways including to detect abnormal tumors, growths or lumps.

A Blood Vessel Ultrasound may help diagnose (find):

An ultrasound of the blood vessels help physicians evaluate blood flow in the vessels.

A blood vessel ultrasound can detect narrowing in the arteries throughout the body.

An ultrasound of the blood vessels may find blood clots within the veins, which may be life threatening.

A blood vessel ultrasound may identify blockages and abnormalities like plaque and emboli. The ultrasound is also useful in planning for effective treatment.

An ultrasound of the blood vessels can determine if there is an enlarged artery and can help find the source and severity of varicose veins.

Getting a Blood Vessel Ultrasound:

Before the Ultrasound

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During the Ultrasound

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After the Ultrasound

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