Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are a non-invasive test, that does not require any injections or contrast. Ultrasound imaging involves applying high frequency sound waves via a transducer to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Vascular ultrasound provides real time images of blood flowing through veins and arteries.

Vascular ultrasound is performed to:

• Monitor blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body
• Locate and identify blockages (stenosis), plaque or emboli(clots)
• Detect deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• Determine suitability for procedures such as angioplasty
• Assess vein viability for use as a bypass graft
• Evaluate success of bypass grafts of blood vessels
• Determine the presence of arterial aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of an artery)
• Determine the source and severity of varicose veins and spider veins
• Monitor the progress of vascular problems such as an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Provide ongoing surveillance of previous vascular surgery

Doppler ultrasound is used to see and evaluate:

• Blockages to blood flow
• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Congenital vascular malformation