Ultrasounds

What is ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound imaging is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of the structures inside your body. Many people associate ultrasounds with pregnancy, but they are commonly used to diagnose various heart and vascular issues, including deep venous thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery disease.

Are there different types of vascular ultrasounds?

The Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists team provides several types of vascular ultrasounds, including:

Carotid ultrasound

This ultrasound checks for fatty deposits (or plaque buildup) in the carotid arteries, which provide oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your brain.

Lower extremity arterial Doppler ultrasound

This ultrasound assesses blood flow (circulation) in the veins and arteries in your legs and feet. Often, it’s used to diagnose peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral arterial ultrasound

Similar to lower extremity Doppler ultrasound, a peripheral arterial ultrasound assesses the circulation in your legs. 

Peripheral venous ultrasound

This type of ultrasound is used to diagnose blood clots deep within the leg veins. Your provider might order this imaging procedure if they suspect you have deep venous thrombosis.

What happens during an ultrasound appointment?

An ultrasound is a quick outpatient procedure that averages 30-45 minutes.

When you arrive at Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists, you change into a gown and lie on your side or back on an exam table. Next, your provider applies a small amount of lubricating gel to your skin over the area being examined.

Your provider places a handheld device, called a transducer, on top of the gel and gently runs it over your skin. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the structures inside your leg. A computer converts the sound waves into images that let your provider see the veins, arteries, and other structures in your leg, neck, or another area in real-time. 

During your ultrasound, you might need to hold your breath or change position. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

After your provider gets enough information to make a diagnosis, they wipe the remaining gel off your leg and develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Are ultrasounds safe?

Ultrasounds are safe and present no harmful side effects. Unlike X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, they don’t use radiation, so there’s no risk of exposure. There’s no downtime either — you can return to normal activities immediately after your appointment.

Call Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists to schedule an ultrasound appointment, or book your visit online today.