Arterial Ultrasound Scan
The arterial ultrasound scan employs high-frequency sound waves to generate in-depth images of the arteries. This helps identify issues such as aneurysms, blockages, blood clots, plaque accumulation, and other conditions affecting circulation.
This procedure, also referred to as an arterial duplex ultrasound, is frequently performed to assess blood flow in the legs, neck, arms, and other areas. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for vascular conditions. These include narrowed or obstructed blood vessels and blood clots.
Reasons for Having an Arterial Ultrasound
An arterial ultrasound might be suitable for people with symptoms or risk factors related to poor circulation or vascular disease. Therefore, this scan may be recommended to examine various problems such as:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) symptoms such as leg cramping, pain, or numbness when walking (claudication) or during rest.
- Suspected or diagnosed narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs, arms, or other body areas.
- Aneurysms (weakened or bulging arterial walls).
- Detection of blood clots in the legs or elsewhere in the body.
- Assessment of blood flow before or after surgery or angioplasty (a procedure using a balloon to broaden constricted vessels).
- Monitoring treatment of blood clots or arterial blockages.
- Carotid artery disease symptoms, including stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), due to obstructions in the carotid arteries.
- Increased cardiovascular disease risk depending on factors like age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
What to Expect
An arterial ultrasound is a safe, painless, non-invasive procedure done by a professional vascular scientist or sonographer.
During the scan, you will lie on an examination table while a small amount of gel is applied to your skin over the area being assessed, mostly the limb. The gel facilitates sound waves' passage through the skin.
A handheld transducer emitting high-frequency sound waves and perceiving their echoes will be moved over the area to take images. The echoes will be converted into real-time pictures shown on the ultrasound monitor; thus allowing specialists to observe blood movement in the vessels.
The scan normally lasts 10 minutes, though this may vary based on the number of limbs being inspected. In some cases, you may be required to hold certain positions or perform specific movements like raising or lowering a limb. This helps enhance the clarity of the images.
Never ignore the signs of poor circulation. Schedule your arterial ultrasound today with Sonoclinic for early detection and better vascular health.