Vascular Ultrasound

What is a venous ultrasound?

A venous ultrasound measures critical vein function and helps identify blockages or narrowing in the blood vessels that can cause a variety of vein conditions. High-frequency sound waves, undetectable by the human ear, are transmitted and reflected off blood cells flowing through the bloodstream. These reflections create visual images, which Dr. Morris can use for diagnostic purposes.

Venous ultrasounds are used to determine if veins are blocked by clots and to detect incompetent or leaking vein valves that are allowing refluxing — or the backflow — of blood. A vascular ultrasound can also help detect the location and severity of the condition. 

Is a vascular ultrasound safe?

Ultrasonography procedures are safe, as they do not require needles, dyes, radiation or any anesthesia since it is noninvasive. The team at Lonestar Surgical Specialists P.A. uses only registered vascular technologists to perform these vein mappings. Testing takes approximately 30-60 minutes. No preparations are required for the test.

All of these ultrasounds are performed bycertified registered vascular technologist in office. Lonestar SurgicalSpecialsts PA is the first office in the area to offer in-office ultrasound using standardized exercise testing, in conjunction with state of the art ultrasound equipment.

Where can a vascular ultrasound detect blockages?

Vascular ultrasounds can detect blockages in several places. They include:

Carotid artery ultrasound

Located on either side of your neck, your two carotid arteries deliver blood from your heart to your brain. A carotid artery ultrasound can detect a buildup of plaque, which causes a narrowing or full blockage of an artery, which puts you at risk for a stroke.  

Aneurysm ultrasound

Ultrasound is the most common way to detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aorta runs from your heart through to the abdomen, and it’s the major blood vessel supplying blood to your body.

An aneurysm, or a bulging of the blood vessel, puts your heart under stress, and should the aneurysm rupture, it can cause life-threatening bleeding. Since there are generally no symptoms of an abdominal aneurysm, regular ultrasounds are the most effective way to catch them early.

Leg artery ultrasound

Ultrasound on the leg can measure the blood flow through the arteries and veins. An ultrasound can detect conditions such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, blockages, and poor circulation. It can also detect incompetent or leaking vein valves that are allowing refluxing — or the backflow — of blood. If you have swelling, pain, or cramping in your leg, a leg artery ultrasound can determine whether this is the result of a vein-related condition.

Intravascular ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasound allows the doctor to see inside your arteries or veins. It requires a small incision at the groin, and the technician inserts a tiny, camera-like device into the artery, where it travels via the artery to the treatment site.

Once the camera reaches the target area, the ultrasound can measure the degree of narrowing in an artery or vein and determine what type of plaque is causing the buildup. The procedure involves the use of a mild sedative, as well as a local anesthetic at the incision site.

When you need a doctor for a treatment of a vein disease or condition, knowing that Lonestar Surgical Specialists P.A. has the technology to diagnose your condition accurately should give you peace of mind. Call or click to schedule a consultation with Dr. Morris and get the vein relief you seek today.