Vascular Ultrasound

We perform state-of-the-art, non-invasive ultrasound examinations to evaluate and diagnose vascular conditions. Our doctors use the results from your vascular ultrasound to plan treatments and monitor your vascular condition.

Vascular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your veins and arteries, while Doppler techniques detect moving red blood cells to measure speed and direction of blood flow. It’s used to detect vascular disease in people without symptoms but who have been categorized as high-risk because of a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or high cholesterol, or who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. 

Diagnosis of vascular disorders such as aneurysms, (artery hardening) and chronic venous insufficiency (inability of veins to pump enough blood back to the heart) requires specialized vascular testing. Our highly trained sonographers and doctors perform a range of advanced diagnostic ultrasound services, as well as develop new techniques and advancements.

Vascular Ultrasound Tests We Offer

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) – uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the rate and direction of blood flow within vessels inside your brain. Doctors recommend this test to evaluate:

• Blood vessels for narrowing (intracranial stenosis)
• Embolism
• Your status following a ruptured brain aneurysm
• Ischemia stroke (lack of sufficient blood flow)
• Thrombosis (blood clot)
• Vasospasm

Cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners use TCD to diagnose and monitor your condition and to help guide your treatment plan.

Carotid ultrasound – uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the carotid arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain. Doctors use the exam to measure the rate and direction of blood flow to the brain and evaluate narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke. Your doctor may recommend a carotid ultrasound to follow up on the progression of carotid artery disease. Combining carotid ultrasound and transcranial Doppler (TCD) testing measures blood flow to the brain and blood flow inside the brain.

Venous duplex exam – uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of veins in the body. Doctors use the venous duplex exam to examine for blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is potentially life-threatening. We also use this technique to evaluate for venous reflux or insufficiency, a condition that develops when valves inside of veins become weakened or damaged. This causes blood-flow reversal and pooling of blood in the lower extremity veins, especially when standing.

Arterial duplex exam – uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of major arteries in the arms and legs. Doctors use this exam to evaluate blood flow through the arteries and to detect any blockages or narrowing in the vessels. Your doctor may also recommend these studies to detect the presence, severity and location of arterial diseases. 

Arterial physiologic Doppler exam – uses high-frequency sound waves to estimate blood flow through the arteries in the arms and legs. This test relies on a device that emits high-frequency sound waves as well as blood pressure cuffs to evaluate for blockages. It records blood-flow patterns and compares blood pressures at various levels of the arms and legs.

Abdominal and aortic duplex exam – uses high-frequency sound waves to create ultrasound images of the abdominal aorta. Doctors use this exam to evaluate blood flow through the aorta toward the legs, and to measure the aorta’s diameter to detect and monitor for potentially life-threatening aortic aneurysms. Doctors also perform this exam after aortic endograft repair, as well as to study the renal arteries and mesenteric arteries, which supply blood to the large and small intestines.

Duplex of the hemodialysis access (arteriovenous fistula or grafts) – uses high-frequency sound waves to create ultrasound images of the hemodialysis access site. Doctors use this exam to evaluate the rate of blood flow through the arteries and to detect any blot clots or blockages in the vessels. We perform specific duplex exams to assess maturity, patency and function of arteriovenous dialysis fistulas and grafts, which are surgically created to improve long-term vascular access for hemodialysis patients.