Vascular Ultrasound

Basic Facts:

  • Vascular ultrasound is the general term for a non-invasive painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to image blood vessels including arteries and veins.
  • This test helps to evaluate the blood flow to specific organs in your body. 
  • Ultrasound exams are noninvasive, don’t use radiation, and images are captured in real-time, showing the movement of your blood flowing through your blood vessels.

 

Your Virginia Heart Care Team will give you instructions about how to prepare for your vascular ultrasound. You can drive yourself to the appointment, and you'll be able to drive after your test.

For instructions on what to expect for an Aorta Ultrasound, click here.

For instruction on what to expect for an Abdominal Aorta Duplex Ultrasound, click here.

For instruction on what to expect for an Aortoiliac Duplex Ultrasound, click here.

For instruction on what to expect for a Renal Artery Duplex Ultrasound, click here.

Using sound waves, a Vascular Ultrasound exam looks at the blood flow in your veins and arteries. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from a handheld device, called a probe or transducer, that is placed on the body and moved around the area of interest. A gel is applied to the skin to aid in the movement of the transducer. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image on a computer screen. Ultrasound exams are noninvasive, don’t use radiation, and images are captured in real-time, showing the movement of your blood flowing through your blood vessels.

 

There are no post-test restrictions for a vascular ultrasound. After the procedure, you’ll be able to leave and go about your day.

Your Virginia Heart Care Team will contact you with your results.