As a non-invasive diagnostic tool, vascular ultrasound provides real-time imaging of the body's blood vessels. It helps our specialists in detecting blockages, clots, plaque or emboli, and assessing the blood flow. Our highly trained technicians ensure accurate results, aiding in the early detection and treatment of potentially serious vascular conditions.
Vascular ultrasound, also known as a duplex scan, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that provides real-time imaging of the body's blood vessels. This tool is crucial in our mission at South Valley Vascular to offer the most comprehensive vascular care in the California Central Valley.
The primary purpose of a vascular ultrasound is to assess the blood flow in arteries and veins located in the body's arms, legs, and neck. The ultrasound can detect blockages, clots, plaque, or emboli, and assess the blood flow. It's a safe, painless, and reliable way to identify various vascular conditions, including peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, carotid artery disease, and aneurysms.
A vascular ultrasound works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body, which bounce off blood cells moving within the blood vessels. The returning echoes are read by a machine that converts these sound waves into a visual representation of the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessel.
Unlike other imaging tests, vascular ultrasound does not expose you to radiation. Therefore, it can be performed as often as necessary to monitor certain conditions, making it a valuable tool in both diagnosis and ongoing management of vascular diseases.
The vascular ultrasound procedure is straightforward and comfortable for the patient. You'll lie on a table while a specially trained technologist applies a water-soluble gel to your skin over the area to be examined. The gel helps the transducer (a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves) make secure contact with the body and eliminates air pockets between the transducer and the skin for the best sound conduction.
As the technologist moves the transducer over the area of interest, images are displayed on a monitor in real-time. This enables the vascular surgeon to observe the blood flow and structure of your vessels during the examination. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can resume your normal activities immediately afterward.
Vascular ultrasound is also a valuable tool in planning and guiding procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery. By providing a clear picture of the vascular anatomy, it can help ensure the most effective and minimally invasive treatment approach.
At South Valley Vascular, our vascular ultrasound services are carried out by highly trained technicians who specialize in vascular imaging. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures that we provide the most accurate results, aiding in the early detection and treatment of potentially serious vascular conditions. We strive to offer a comfortable, stress-free environment for our patients throughout the procedure.
In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, vascular ultrasound can also provide valuable information about the success of treatments for vascular disease, including surgical procedures and medication therapy. This allows us to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments promptly.
In conclusion, vascular ultrasound is an indispensable tool in modern vascular care. Its non-invasive nature, combined with its ability to provide real-time images of blood flow and vessel structure, makes it a first-line choice for the diagnosis and management of a wide range of vascular conditions. At South Valley Vascular, we're proud to offer this advanced diagnostic capability to our patients, helping them achieve the best possible vascular health.