Vascular Ultrasound

Seeing the blood vessels with sound waves

A vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive ultrasound method used to examine the circulation in the blood vessels of the body.

Vascular ultrasound can be used to evaluate arteries or veins in nearly any part of the body, including blood vessels in the neck, abdomen, arms and legs.

A vascular ultrasound study involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. Sound waves are transmitted through the area of the tissues being examined. These sound waves reflect off of blood cells moving within the blood vessels and return to the ultrasound machine via the transducer. The sound waves create an image of the blood vessel, providing the physician with necessary information to make a diagnosis.

Uses of a vascular ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is used to evaluate the blood flow in the arteries and veins of the body to detect the presence, severity and specific location of disease. It can diagnose narrowing of arteries and determine the severity of narrowing. The vascular ultrasound can also be used to diagnose blood clots in the veins of the arms and legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT.

Technology and expertise

This state-of-the-art technology, together with our highly trained team of experts, provides you with unprecedented care that you can trust with your heart. Local, board-certified radiologists interpret patient images that are taken by certified medical sonographers who have completed advanced training.