Vascular Ultrasound

What is a vascular ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound, also called a duplex study, is a noninvasive test. This test shows healthcare providers how blood flows in your arms, neck and legs. High-frequency sound waves create detailed images of soft tissue and blood vessels.

When is a vascular ultrasound performed?

Your healthcare provider may use vascular ultrasound to see how blood flows through your veins and arteries (blood vessels). You may have this test to help your provider diagnose:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Blood clots.
• Carotid artery disease.
• Chronic venous insufficiency.
• Deep vein thrombosis.
• Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm.
• Peripheral artery disease.
• Vascular disease.
• Varicose veins.

When would I need a vascular ultrasound exam?

You may need a vascular ultrasound if you have symptoms like:

• Burning feeling in your legs.
• Muscle atrophy.
• Pain in your buttocks, hips, thighs or calves.
• Leg sores (ulcers) that don’t heal.

Healthcare providers also use vascular ultrasound to check blood flow to organs. You may have this test if you’ve received an organ transplant.

Providers may also order a vascular ultrasound exam to see if you’re a good angioplasty candidate or check blood vessel health after venous disease bypass surgery.

Who performs a vascular ultrasound exam?

An ultrasound technologist performs your vascular ultrasound exam. These technologists have special training in performing ultrasound tests.

How does vascular ultrasound work?

Vascular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images. These sound waves pass through your soft tissues and blood vessels. Sound waves create echoes as they pass through tissue and computers turn these echoes into images or videos.

How do I prepare for a vascular ultrasound?

There’s nothing special you need to do to prepare for a vascular ultrasound. Plan to arrive at the facility about 15 minutes before your vascular ultrasound appointment.

You should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing and leave any jewelry or valuables at home. Healthcare providers may ask you to change into a hospital gown.

What happens during a vascular ultrasound?

You lie on an examination table. The technologist applies a lubricating gel to your skin in the areas where they will examine your arteries and veins.

The technologist places a special probe called a transducer against your skin. You might feel a little pressure as they move the probe over the area. You may hear your blood flowing as it makes a pulsing or whooshing sound.

What should I expect after the vascular ultrasound?

When the exam is over, the technologist wipes the lubricating gel away. You can return to work or other activities immediately after your exam.

Does vascular ultrasound have any risks or side effects?

Vascular ultrasound is safe. You won’t have any side effects from the exam.

What results do healthcare providers get from vascular ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound gives your healthcare provider information about how quickly (or slowly) blood flows through your body. This tells your provider if something is blocking a blood vessel (like a blood clot or plaque) or if blood vessels have become narrow.

How long does it take to get results from a vascular ultrasound?

A doctor who specializes in reading and interpreting radiographic images (radiologist) evaluates the images. When the radiologist has completed their review, they send the results to the doctor who ordered your vascular ultrasound.

When should I call my healthcare provider after a vascular ultrasound exam?

You shouldn’t expect any side effects from a vascular ultrasound exam. Let your healthcare provider know if you develop any new or worsening symptoms such as pain or redness in the examined area.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive test healthcare providers use to determine how blood flows in arteries and veins in your arms, neck and legs. They use this test to diagnose blood clots, narrowed blood vessels, and other vascular health conditions.