General Radiography (x-rays)Venous Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging is used two ways to evaluate the veins. Most of the time it is used to look for blood clots. Blood clots in veins are a potentially serious problem because large ones can break off and travel to the lungs, and cause severe breathing problems. They also may cause your legs to swell even years after blood clots have developed.
The other type of venous ultrasound commonly performed is designed to evaluate poor blood flow in veins of the lower extremities (venous stasis or venous insufficiency), which can cause varicose veins, spider veins, and even skin ulcers in the legs.
Occasionally ultrasound is used to map veins in the leg or arm so that areas can either be removed or used as grafts for cardiac surgery or to bypass blocked arteries.
How to prepare for the exam?
Wear comfortable clothes. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. Other than that, there are no special requirements. Please do not bring young children, if possible, as they may disrupt the exam.
What will happen during the exam?
Ultrasound imaging is painless, fast and easy. The study for blood clots is usually done with the patient lying on their back on an examining table. Venous stasis ultrasound is often done with patients sitting or standing, sometime bearing all weight on one leg and holding onto a bar with their hands to steady themselves. The sonographer will spread the gel on your skin and place the transducer firmly against your body. They will move the transducer to obtain the appropriate images. An examination for blood clots usually takes 30 minutes. An examination for venous stasis or venous insufficiency takes another 30-45 minutes.