How long does a vascular ultrasound take

The transducer sends out inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body and listens for the returning echoes. The same principles apply to sonar used by boats and submarines. The technologist applies a small amount of gel to the area under examination and places the transducer there. The gel allows sound waves to travel back and forth between the transducer and the area under examination.

The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a video monitor. The computer creates the image based on the loudness amplitude , pitch frequency , and time it takes for the ultrasound signal to return to the transducer. Ultrasound imaging uses the same principles as the sonar that bats, ships, and fishermen use. When a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces back or echoes. By measuring these echo waves, it is possible to determine how far away the object is as well as its size, shape, and consistency.

This includes whether the object is solid or filled with fluid. Doctors use ultrasound to detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels and to detect abnormal masses, such as tumors.

In an ultrasound exam, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing returning waves. When the transducer is pressed against the skin, it sends small pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body.

As the sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids and tissues, the sensitive receiver in the transducer records tiny changes in the sound's pitch and direction. A computer instantly measures these signature waves and displays them as real-time pictures on a monitor. The technologist typically captures one or more frames of the moving pictures as still images.

They may also save short video loops of the images. Doppler ultrasound, a special ultrasound technique, measures the direction and speed of blood cells as they move through vessels.

The movement of blood cells causes a change in pitch of the reflected sound waves called the Doppler effect. A computer collects and processes the sounds and creates graphs or color pictures that represent the flow of blood through the blood vessels. For most ultrasound exams, you will lie face-up on an exam table that can be tilted or moved. Patients may turn to either side to improve the quality of the images.

The technologist applies a clear water-based gel to the body area under examination. This helps the transducer make secure contact with the body. It also helps eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body.

The technologist or radiologist places the transducer on the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest.

They may also angle the sound beam from a different location to better see an area of concern. When the exam is complete, the technologist may ask you to dress and wait while they review the ultrasound images.

This ultrasound examination is usually completed within 30 to 45 minutes. Occasionally, complex examinations may take longer. After you lie on the exam table, the radiologist or sonographer will apply some warm, water-based gel on your skin and then place the transducer firmly against your body.

They will move it back and forth over the area of interest to capture the desired images. There is usually no discomfort from pressure as they press the transducer against the area under examination. Happily, modern stents are exceptionally resistant to re-stenosis. Vascular ultrasound scans involve the detailed collection of blood flow information from many locations along the course of the blood vessels your doctor has asked us to check.

While this may seem a time-consuming procedure, it is essential for the most accurate results. They adhere to specific, Medicare-recognised protocols that ensure no abnormalities are missed so that your results are as comprehensive as possible.

If you have time constraints or concerns, please mention these at the time of making your appointment. In simple terms, arteries carry blood away from the heart to supply the varied structures of the body with oxygen and nutrients. The size of arteries and veins varies greatly, depending on their location.

The sonographers at Vascular HealthCare are specialists in recognising both the difference between arteries and veins, and the large range of abnormalities that may be found when vascular disease is present. Once your clothing is loosened or removed, a gel is applied to your skin and a probe transducer is moved along your skin, over the blood vessels being examined. You may hear some unusual sounds from the Doppler during your examination but this is quite normal and there is no need to be alarmed.

For all enquiries you can email us at info vascularhealthcare. Web design by DelaneyDavidson. Phone: Find us. Why do I have to fast for my ultrasound examination? Why do I have to have my abdomen scanned when the pain I am getting is in my legs? When do I get my results?

What clothing should I wear when I come in for my scan? Depending on what blood vessels are being assessed, the following clothing is recommended: Cerebrovascular Neck arteries : A shirt or blouse that is loose around the neckline or that can be unbuttoned to expose the throat and clavicle.

Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo. Toggle navigation. What is Venous Ultrasound Imaging? What are some common uses of the procedure? How should I prepare? What does the equipment look like? How does the procedure work? How is the procedure performed? What will I experience during and after the procedure?

Who interprets the results and how do I get them? What are the benefits vs. What are the limitations of Venous Ultrasound Imaging? Venous ultrasound provides pictures of the veins throughout the body. A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a venous ultrasound examination. A venous ultrasound study is also performed to: determine the cause of long-standing leg swelling. In people with a common condition called "varicose veins", the valves that normally keep blood flowing back to the heart may be damaged, and venous ultrasound can help identify the damaged valves and abnormal blood flow.

Sonography can help locate the exact site of the vein and avoid complications, such as bleeding or damage to a nearby nerve or artery. An example is using portions of vein from the leg to surgically bypass narrowed heart coronary arteries.

In children, venous ultrasound is used to: evaluate a connection between an artery and a vein which can be seen in congenital vascular malformations arteriovenous malformations or fistula and in dialysis fistula. Doppler ultrasound helps the doctor to see and evaluate: blockages to blood flow such as clots narrowing of vessels tumors and congenital vascular malformations reduced or absent blood flow to various organs, such as the testes or ovary increased blood flow, which may be a sign of infection.

You may need to change into a gown for the procedure. Doctors perform Doppler sonography with the same transducer. Most ultrasound exams are painless, fast, and easily tolerated. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately. Benefits Most ultrasound scanning is noninvasive no needles or injections. Occasionally, an ultrasound exam may be temporarily uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.

Ultrasound is widely available, easy to use, and less expensive than most other imaging methods. Ultrasound imaging is extremely safe and does not use radiation.

Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images. Venous ultrasound helps to detect blood clots in the veins of the legs before they become dislodged and pass to the lungs. It can also show the movement of blood within blood vessels. Compared to venography , which requires injecting contrast material into a vein, venous ultrasound is accurate for detecting blood clots in the veins of the thigh down to the knee.

In the calf, because the veins become very small, ultrasound is less accurate. However, potentially dangerous venous clots are typically lodged in the larger veins. Paired with our high-tech capabilities, experienced radiologists and precision radiology interpretations, we deliver consistently positive healthcare experiences. To learn more or schedule an appointment, give us a call at or click here to use our online form.

How vascular ultrasound works During a vascular ultrasound exam, sound waves penetrate the tissues being analyzed. Why vascular ultrasound is performed Vascular ultrasound is used to evaluate arteries or veins, including blood vessels in the neck, abdomen, arms and legs. It can be performed to: Detect clots in the vein deep venous thrombosis, or DVT.

Confirm chronic venous insufficiency, or leaky valves in the veins that may cause swelling or edema.