Vascular Ultrasound is an imaging technique used to produce ultrasonic images of the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs. It can also identify circulation problems related to blockages or narrowing, infections, or clotting of the vessels. Physicians use vascular ultrasound in various specialties (endocrinology, cardiology, neurology) to investigate clinical symptoms related to the vascular system. You should talk to a Brooksville vascular ultrasound specialist if you need a vascular ultrasound. Here are some more details about this procedure.
What Is It Used For?
Avascular ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the blood vessels. Ultrasound technology relies on the reflection and absorption of sound waves to create an image of internal structures. It represents one of the mainstays in imaging techniques in medicine today.
Vascular ultrasound is used to investigate diseases or conditions related to the blood vessels, including carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and heart valve problems. If you have symptoms involving your circulatory system or undergoing surgery that may affect this system, you should consider having a vascular ultrasound done.
How Is It Performed?
You will lie or sit on an examination table to perform a vascular ultrasound. Often your abdomen is cleansed with a unique solution and then covered with a warm blanket to ensure that the skin’s surface remains moist. A gel containing water and alcohol is applied to your skin, which helps conduct sound waves that travel beneath the skin’s surface. The probe or transducer is then moved over your abdomen, capturing images on a video screen.
Avascular ultrasound may involve several applications of sound waves using different frequencies, pulse widths, and intensity levels. The doctor will ask you to hold your breath for short intervals during the exam to produce clear images of your blood vessels.
Understanding the Results
Your doctor or another qualified physician interprets the images produced during a vascular ultrasound. The findings are then explained to you after the procedure is completed. Your doctor may conclude that there are no problems with your vascular system, which you would consider a normal result, or they may suggest further testing based on the results of the vascular ultrasound.
What Precautions Should I Take?
Since a vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your blood vessels, there are no known risks associated with this procedure. Pregnant patients who have pacemakers, metal implants, internal bleeding disorders, specific cardiac conditions, or abnormal calcium levels should not undergo a vascular ultrasound without first consulting their physician. If you are interested in having this procedure done, you should speak with a vascular specialist or ask your primary care physician for more information.
In summary, having a vascular ultrasound is generally a safe and painless way of finding out if your blood vessels are getting enough blood or not. If you have vascular disease symptoms, talk to one of the vascular specialists about your concerns. The procedure involves simply lying on an examination table as a probe or ultrasound wand is passed over your abdomen, capturing the images of your blood vessels.