By What is arterial duplex ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to “see” inside your body. An arterial duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to create a color map of the arteries in your legs to identify: Narrowing of your vessels that may be causing leg pain when walking.
What is the purpose of a duplex ultrasound?
Duplex ultrasound is used to assess the arteries of the leg for the presence of atherosclerosis (disease and narrowing of the arteries). Patients with significant narrowing or occlusion of the arteries in the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries and arteries of the leg often experience claudication.
What is a duplex scan of arterial inflow?
Arterial duplex scan is a painless exam that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to capture internal images of the major arteries in the arms, legs and neck. A special jelly is placed on the area being examined while a wand-like device called a transducer is passed lightly over the skin above the artery.
What does arterial ultrasound show?
An arterial ultrasound of the upper or lower extremities provides pictures of the arteries and the blood flow within the arteries of the arms or legs. A Doppler ultrasound study – a technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel – is usually part of this exam.
How do I lower my extremity arterial duplex?
The Test
- Once in the test room, you will lie down on a table or bed.
- We will place a probe on your legs in many places. Sound waves will bounce off the arteries and create a picture on a video screen.
- We will take several pictures of your leg arteries on both sides.
- The test takes about 60 minutes.
Is a duplex scan the same as a Doppler?
A duplex ultrasound combines: Traditional ultrasound: This uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create pictures. Doppler ultrasound: This records sound waves reflecting off moving objects, such as blood, to measure their speed and other aspects of how they flow.
How long does a duplex scan take?
The technologist will apply a warm gel to your legs and a transducer or a small microphone will be used to examine your arteries. You will hear the sound of moving blood during the exam. Do not be alarmed; it is harmless. Your exam will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens during a duplex scan?
A duplex scan means that the provider uses 2 transducers. The second one (Doppler) lets your provider hear the sound waves the transducer sends out. He or she can hear how fast blood is flowing through a blood vessel and in which direction it is flowing.
What is the difference between arterial Doppler and arterial duplex?
What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in your leg?
Claudication is a symptom of a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Typical symptoms of claudication include: Pain, a burning feeling, or a tired feeling in the legs and buttocks when you walk. Shiny, hairless, blotchy foot skin that may get sores.
Can Doppler detect DVT?
If you have symptoms of DVT, such as swelling or pain in your leg, your doctor may use Doppler ultrasound to see what’s going on. The images show where blood slows down or stops, which could mean you have a clot.