Arterial and Venous Doppler Ultrasound
Carotid Doppler
Indications:
To assess the Carotid Arteries for plaque (“thickening” of the arteries), and blockages. Reasons for investigation include a history of stroke, smoking, high cholesterol, and where there is known vascular disease elsewhere in the body.
Preparation:
None required.
Upper Limb Arterial Duplex Ultrasound
May be one or both sides, according to the clinical history and specific clinicians request.
Indications
Evaluation of known or suspected peripheral vascular disease, aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, subclavian steal syndrome or uneven brachial pressures
Patient Preparation
None required
Patient history
Previous vascular surgery, history of diabetes, smoking, CVA/TIA, previous imaging
Aorto-iliac Duplex Ultrasound
This examination may be performed on its own, or in conjunction with a unilateral or bilateral lower limb duplex examination, depending on the specific clinical history.
Indications
Abdominal bruit, evaluation of aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, evaluation of inflow of peripheral vascular disease, follow-up of surgical or interventional procedures
Patient Preparation
Fast for 6 hours prior to examination.
Patient history
Previous vascular surgery, history of diabetes, smoking, CVA/TIA
Lower Limb Arterial Duplex Ultrasound
This examination may be unilateral or bilateral, and will always include examination of the aorta and iliac arteries (See previous section – Aorto-iliac Duplex Ultrasound).
Indications
Claudication, rest pain, ulceration, ischemic changes, evaluation of aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, follow-up of surgical or interventional procedures.
Patient Preparation
None required
Patient history
Symptoms, previous vascular surgery, history of diabetes, smoking, CVA/TIA, previous imaging
VENOUS DOPPLER
Indications:
Ultrasound can be used to assess for the presence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) or varicose veins. Symptoms may include swelling, pain and redness in the legs.
Examination:
Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin on your legs and an ultrasound probe is moved over the skin surface.
During the DVT examination, the technologist may need to repeatedly press firmly on your skin, and squeeze your calf or foot. This is considered an urgent examination.
The CVI study is undertaken in a similar manner to the DVT examination, however it generally takes a little longer to perform. This is not considered an urgent examination.
Preparation:
None required