What to Expect: VASCULAR

 

Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.

 

Carotid Ultrasound
The test typically lasts 30-40 minutes. Please wear comfortable clothing.

 

Warm gel will be placed on the outside of your neck and the test will be conducted on both left and right sides of your neck.

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A carotid ultrasound uses ultrasound to look into the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the brain. This test checks to see if the arteries have any buildup of plaque causing a narrowing in the vessel that could lead to a stroke. There are no food or drink restrictions for a Carotid Ultrasound.

 

Upper Extremity Ultrasound

Men, please wear a t-shirt that is easily removed. Women, please wear easily removable clothing with a tank top under your shirt. Dresses are not ideal.

Warm gel will be applied to the length of your arm from the top of your shoulder to your wrist, and the test will be conducted on both left and right sides of your arms.

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• Upper Extremity Arterial Duplex Ultrasound

45-90 minutes

Test uses ultrasound to look into the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the arms. This test checks to see if there is any buildup of plaque in the arteries from your shoulder to your wrist causing a narrowing or restriction of blood flow to your arms.

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• Upper Extremity Venous Duplex Ultrasound

35-45 minutes
Test uses ultrasound to look into the veins that carry blood from the arms back to the heart. This test checks to see if there is any presence of deep/superficial vein thrombosis or clot blocking blood flow from the arms back to the heart.

 

There are no food or drink restrictions for Upper Extremity Ultrasounds.

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Lower Extremity Ultrasound

Wear separate top and bottom outfits for both men and women.  No dresses for women, and expect to remove clothing from the waist down EXCEPT under garments.

 

Warm gel will be applied to the length of your leg from the top of the groin down to your ankle, and the test will be performed on both left and right sides of your legs.  

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• Lower Extremity Arterial Ultrasound

45-90 minutes

Test uses ultrasound to look into the arteries that supply blood to the legs from the heart. This test checks to see if there is any buildup of plaque in the arteries from your groin to your ankle causing a narrowing or restriction of blood flow to your legs. This test is typically accompanied with an ABI exam (see below for ABI description).

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• Lower Extremity Venous Ultrasound 

35-45 minutes

Test uses ultrasound to look into the veins that carry blood from the legs back to the heart. This test checks to see if there is any presence of deep/superficial vein thrombosis or clot blocking blood flow from the legs to the heart.

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• Ankle Brachial Index Exam (ABI)

20-30 minutes

Test compares your blood pressure measured at your ankles with your blood pressure measured at your arms. A low ankle-brachial index number can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries of your legs. This test can be performed at rest or at exercise. An exercise ABI will consist of a resting ABI, walking on the treadmill for approximately 5-10 minutes and then a post exercise ABI exam.

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There are no food or drink restrictions for Lower Extremity Ultrasounds.

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Thoracic Ultrasound

Wear separate top and bottom outfits for both men and women.  No dresses for women, and expect to remove clothing from the waist up EXCEPT under garments.

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Warm gel will be applied to the length of your abdomen. It is VERY important to be fasting 12 hours prior to you examination. Water is ok to drink 3 hours prior and please take all medications that can be taken without food prior to your examination. Do not chew gum or smoke the morning of examination. Morning appointments will be given for optimal imaging.

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• Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

5-10 minutes

Test uses ultrasound to look at the main artery that supplies blood to the entire body called the Aorta. This test checks to see if there is any plaque buildup in the artery and also to make sure there is no aneurysm or dilatation in the artery. For this study, we ask that you fast 12 hours prior and plan to be here for 20-45 minutes. 

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• Renal Artery Ultrasound

60-90 minutes

Test uses ultrasound to look at the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys from the heart. This test checks to see if there is any plaque buildup, causing stenosis or a narrowing, aneurysm, or other diseases in the Renal Arteries causing restriction of blood flow to the kidneys. For this study we ask that you fast 12 hours prior to the study and plan to be here for 60-90 minutes. 

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• Mesenteric/Splanchnic Artery Ultrasound

45-60 minutes

Test uses ultrasound to look at the arteries that supply blood to the intestine and other abdominal organs. This test checks to see if there is any plaque buildup, causing stenosis or a narrowing, aneurysms, or other diseases in the Mesenteric Arteries causing a restriction of blood flow to the organs.