FAQs & Resources

A vascular ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the blood vessels in your body. It sends these sound waves into the body, which bounce off the blood vessels and create images on a computer screen, aiding healthcare professionals in assessing blood flow, detecting blockages, and identifying vascular conditions.

Vascular ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive procedure. Unlike other imaging techniques, such as X-rays or CT scans, it does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it relies on harmless sound waves, making it a low-risk option for assessing vascular health and ideal for patients of all ages, including pregnant women.

Vascular ultrasound serves to diagnose and monitor a wide range of vascular conditions, including:

• Detecting blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT)
• Assessing blood flow in arteries and veins
• Evaluating the carotid arteries for stroke risk
• Identifying aneurysms (abnormal bulges in blood vessels)
• Examining varicose veins and venous insufficiency

Typically, minimal preparation is adequate for a vascular ultrasound. However, you may want to consider:

• Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the examination area
• Avoiding using lotions or oils on the site to be examined, as this can interfere with the ultrasound
• Following any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider

Vascular ultrasound is a painless procedure and is generally well-tolerated by patients. It involves using a handheld device (transducer) that is moved gently over the skin. The length of the procedure can vary, but it typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. There is no downtime or recovery period; you can usually resume your normal activities immediately afterward.