What is vascular ultrasound?
Vascular ultrasound is a dynamic way of looking at veins and arteries to provide information about the way blood flows. It uses sound waves to create images of your body.
Your vascular ultrasound choice
Most often one of our sonographers will carry out the scan. Sonographers are highly trained and skilled at assessing and performing the ultrasound. Confirmation of the scan results, clinical interpretation and any other recommendations, is the domain of our vascular surgeon, who is trained and credentialed in ultrasound. Dr Evans is also qualified to perform ultrasounds.
Your ultrasound scan will usually be booked before your consultation with the surgeon.
Sonographer conducts ultrasound.
Referrals
You will have been referred for an ultrasound scan by your general practitioner (GP), a nurse specialist or an allied health professional for a vascular ultrasound scan. Our vascular ultrasound specialist will review the scan and report the results to your GP, with any recommendations.
You will have been referred by a vascular specialist or another medical specialist for a vascular ultrasound scan. Our vascular ultrasound specialist will review the scan and report the results to your GP, with any recommendations.
You have referred yourself for a vascular ultrasound scan. Our vascular ultrasound specialist will review the scan and report the results to your GP, with any recommendations.
What your scan tells us and tests we do
Your GP, specialist or allied health professional needs an ultrasound scan to determine your diagnosis and what treatment, if any, is best for you. Your ultrasound scan gives us a clear insight of your condition:
Diagnosis of varicose veins and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, DVT)
Ultrasound is used to help diagnose varicose veins and pelvic varicose veins. Sometimes varicose veins are not visible. Some blood clots may be serious and require blood thinners (anticoagulation) to prevent the clot travelling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE).
Diagnosis of aneurysms (enlarged arteries) and blocked or narrowed arteries (occlusion, stenosis)
Aneurysms are abnormally large arteries. Aortic, femoral and popliteal aneurysms are relatively common in some people, for example, those who smoke, and may also run in families.
Blocked and narrowed arteries cause a range of problems
When the carotid arteries are affected, there may be an increased risk of stroke or mini-stroke (TIA). When the leg arteries are affected, there may be an increased risk of pain when walking (intermittent claudication), foot and toe pain (rest pain), and ulcers.
Monitoring (surveillance) aneurysms, narrowed arteries and artery surgery, such as bypasses and stents
Once an arterial problem has been diagnosed or treated, monitoring for progression, or monitoring following surgery, is often recommended.
Screening for aneurysms in high-risk groups
Some people are more prone to aneurysms. These include those with a family history of aneurysm. For aortic aneurysm, older males and smokers may be particularly at risk.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
We also offer Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) tests to help diagnose arterial disease. This is a test that compares the blood pressure in your legs to the blood pressure in your arms and is a good indicator of whether you have arterial disease. Your GP may refer you for an ABI test.
How do I get ready for my vascular ultrasound scan?
Before your scan we will give you instructions on what to do and what to expect. This includes what to wear. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothes with a separate top and trousers/skirt. We provide privacy covers. We’ll also tell you whether you can eat or drink beforehand. Remember, your appointment is for the ultrasound scan only. Our helpful admin staff will give you a separate appointment time with Dr Evans or a specialist nurse.
Your scan may be of your legs, with you standing or lying down, of your abdomen or neck (lying down). For some investigations for women, like for pelvic scans or scans of iliac veins, we may use a transvaginal probe. We will give you all the information before your scan.
Scans take between 30 and 60 minutes. We will tell you how long to expect. Your sonographer will talk to you about any post-scan precautions but you can usually resume normal activities straight away.
Feedback? Let us know.
How did your scan go? We’d love to hear from you. Please let us know about your experience.