Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular Ultrasound procedures are painless, noninvasive tests that use high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to image the veins and arteries in the body.
Most vascular ultrasounds combine two types of ultrasound to produce images that show how blood is moving:
- B mode ultrasound – High-frequency sound waves create pictures of the veins and arteries within your arms and legs.
- Doppler ultrasound – High-frequency sound waves determine the speed and direction of blood flow in the veins and arteries.
What to expect during these exams:
- Pulse-like noises will be heard periodically during your exam when the technologist is checking the blood flow.
- Most Vascular Ultrasound procedures last 1-2 hours.
- Vascular Ultrasound procedures are performed by a registered sonographer.
- The images are reviewed by a board-certified vascular physician. You should get your results, within 5 business days, from your ordering provider.
Types of Vascular Exams Offered at KMC
VENOUS DUPLEX
A venous duplex is a vascular ultrasound that shows how blood is moving through the veins of your arms and legs. This test is commonly used to search for blood clots. It is used to evaluate for pain and swelling in the arms or legs.
ARTERIAL DUPLEX
An Arterial Duplex is an ultrasound test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to capture internal images of the major arteries in the arms and legs. It may be ordered if your physician suspects an artery is narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to your arms or legs. It is typically obtained for a more focused evaluation of the lower extremity arterial system such as localization of stenosis, assessment of a stent or bypass graft, and aneurysms.
AORTA ULTRASOUND
An Aorta Ultrasound is used to examine the abdominal aorta, the vessel in your abdomen which leads blood away from the heart. It will be used to look for any narrowing or aneurysms (bulging) of the aorta. It is often ordered as a screening exam for a patient with a history of smoking or hypertension or to follow a known aneurysm.
RENAL ARTERY DUPLEX
A Renal Artery Duplex is used to visualize the renal arteries and measure the blood flow. The renal arteries deliver blood flow to the kidneys. Renal artery disease, including narrowing (stenosis) due to atherosclerosis, can result in reduced blood-flow to the kidney. This exam is typically ordered for hypertension which is difficult to control with medication.
CAROTID DUPLEX
A carotid ultrasound uses painless sound waves to check the two main arteries in your neck. These vital blood vessels deliver oxygen-filled blood from your heart straight to your brain.
VENOUS REFLUX
A venous reflux ultrasound uses painless sound waves to evaluate leg blood flow. It is the primary tool vascular specialists use to map vein disease, locate faulty valves, and diagnose chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
VASCULAR SCREENING
A Vascular Screening exam is an ultrasound test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to evaluate the:
- Abdominal Aorta
- Carotid Arteries
- Ankle-Brachial Index (blood flow in the legs).
Early detection and treatment of vascular disease can significantly reduce your risk for serious, sometimes disabling or even fatal conditions like a heart attack or stroke.
Risk factors include:
- 50+ years old
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Smoker
- Family History
- Lack of Exercise
Cost is $75 for all three tests. Cash payment is due at registration for the screening exam.
Where We Provide Vascular Ultrasound Services
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Kirby Medical Center - Monticello General 1000 Medical Center Drive
Monticello, IL 61856
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