Why is this procedure done?
A Doppler ultrasound is used to see how blood flows through your veins and arteries. These are your blood vessels. Sound waves are used to see the blood vessels in your arms, legs, or neck. Pictures of your organs can also be checked. A Doppler ultrasound is done to: ‚
- Find blood clots
- Find blocked, narrowed, or swollen blood vessels in the arms, legs, or neck
- Check if a vein can be used for grafting
- Check for abnormal or enlarged veins like varicose veins
- Look for causes of decreased blood flow to your legs, arms, or brain
- See how well the blood is flowing after a blood vessel is fixed.
What will the results be?
A doctor who is an expert in looking at the ultrasound will send your doctor the results. These results will show why you are having problems and what is happening with your blood vessels and blood flow. They will also show the flow of your blood through the blood vessels after surgery. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor may do an exam and order lab tests. ‚
Be sure to follow your doctors advice about: ‚
- Eating or drinking before the test
- Smoking before the test. Nicotine in cigarettes may cause your arteries to narrow and can change the results of the test.
- What clothing to remove from the area where the test is being done.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie down on a bed. A small amount of gel will be put on the skin over the area being checked. This gel helps the sound waves enter the body.
- A handheld wand or probe is moved over the area being checked. This probe produces the sound waves, which bounce off the blood vessels and organs and back to the machine to make the picture.
- You can see the pictures in a monitor beside the bed. The probe will be moved around the area being checked to get a clear picture. You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath for a few seconds to get a clear picture.
- The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
The gel will be wiped off your skin and you can go home. The results will be sent to your doctor, who will talk to you about the test results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may go back to your normal activities when you go home.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
Ultrasound tests do not cause any harm to your blood vessels or to your health. Call your doctor if you have any new problems or concerns. ‚
Where can I learn more?
RadiologyInfo ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚