Arterial and Venous Doppler Ultrasound

What is a carotid doppler?

A carotid doppler ultrasound assesses the carotid arteries for plaque (thickening of the arteries) and blockages.

Indications

History of stroke, smoking, high cholesterol, and where there is known vascular disease elsewhere in the body.

Patient preparation

None required.

What is an upper limb arterial duplex ultrasound?

An upper limb arterial duplex doppler ultrasound checks the circulation in the patient’s arms and legs. It uses cuffs, similar to those used when taking blood pressure, to record blood flow patterns and pressures. The test may be performed on one or both sides, according to the clinical history and a referrer’s specific request.

Patient history

Previous vascular surgery, history of diabetes, smoking, CVA/TIA, previous imaging.

Indications

Evaluation of known or suspected peripheral vascular disease, aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, subclavian steal syndrome or uneven brachial pressures.

Patient preparation

None required.

What is an aorto-iliac duplex ultrasound?

Aorto-iliac duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic examination of the aorta and iliac arteries to assess medical conditions that may be affecting blood flow. Depending on the patient’s specific clinical history, this examination may be performed independently or with a unilateral or bilateral lower limb duplex examination. 

Patient history

Previous vascular surgery, history of diabetes, smoking, CVA/TIA. 

Indications

Abdominal bruit, evaluation of aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, evaluation of inflow of peripheral vascular disease, follow-up of surgical or interventional procedures.

Patient Guide

How to prepare for your aorto-iliac duplex ultrasound

• Please fast for eight hours before your examination.

What is a lower limb arterial duplex ultrasound?

Lower limb arterial duplex ultrasound creates a colour map of the arteries to assess the narrowing of blood vessels that may be causing leg pain, ulcers or skin discolouration. This test may be unilateral or bilateral and will always include an examination of the aorta and iliac arteries (see Aorto-Iliac Duplex Ultrasound).

Patient history

Symptoms, previous vascular surgery, history of diabetes, smoking, CVA/TIA, previous imaging.

Indications

Claudication, rest pain, ulceration, ischemic changes, evaluation of aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, follow-up of surgical or interventional procedures.

Patient preparation

None required.

What is a venous doppler ultrasound?

Venous doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic examination that checks large vein circulation in the legs (or sometimes arms). The test assesses the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or varicose veins. It is a non-invasive test and involves no needles, catheters or dyes.

Indications

Swelling, pain and redness in the legs.

Patient Guide

What to expect during your venous doppler examination

• No preparation is required for this test.
• Our skilled technicians apply ultrasound gel to the skin on your legs and move the ultrasound probe over your skin’s surface.
• If you’re undergoing an urgent DVT examination, the technician may need to repeatedly press firmly on your skin and squeeze your calf or foot.
• A non-urgent CVI study is similar to a DVT examination. However, it generally takes a little longer to perform.