Vascular Doppler Ultrasound

Vascular Doppler ultrasound provides non-invasive assessment of blood flow within the arteries and veins. It combines ultrasound imaging with Doppler techniques to evaluate vascular anatomy, blood-flow characteristics and abnormalities that may affect the circulation.

SonoServ provides a range of vascular ultrasound examinations according to the clinical indication or referring clinician’s request.

Venous Doppler Ultrasound

Venous Doppler ultrasound assesses the veins and blood flow within the venous system. Examinations may include:

  • Assessment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Follow-up of previously diagnosed DVT
  • Assessment of venous insufficiency and reflux
  • Upper-extremity venous assessment
  • Other clinically indicated venous examinations

Arterial Doppler Ultrasound

Arterial Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow through the arteries and may help identify narrowing, obstruction or other abnormalities affecting the arterial circulation.

Examinations may include:

  • Lower-extremity arterial Doppler assessment
  • Evaluation for peripheral arterial disease
  • Assessment of arterial blood flow and areas of suspected stenosis or occlusion
  • Other clinically indicated peripheral arterial examinations

Carotid and Vertebral Artery Ultrasound

Carotid and vertebral artery ultrasound assesses the major arteries supplying blood to the brain.

The examination evaluates the arterial walls and blood flow and may identify plaque formation, narrowing or other vascular abnormalities.

Temporal Artery Ultrasound

Temporal artery ultrasound provides assessment of the superficial temporal arteries and their walls using high-resolution ultrasound and Doppler techniques.

The examination may be requested where giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) is clinically suspected and is performed in conjunction with the patient’s overall clinical and laboratory assessment.

Abdominal Vascular Ultrasound

Selected abdominal blood vessels can be evaluated using ultrasound and Doppler techniques. Depending on the clinical indication, examinations may include:

  • Renal artery assessment
  • Mesenteric artery assessment
  • Assessment of the hepatic vasculature
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening and surveillance
  • Other clinically indicated abdominal vascular studies

Dialysis Access Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess arteriovenous fistulae and vascular grafts used for haemodialysis access.

The examination evaluates blood flow through the access and may assist in identifying abnormalities that could affect its function.

 

Preparation for Examination

Most peripheral vascular Doppler examinations require no special preparation.

For abdominal vascular examinations, fasting or other examination-specific preparation may be required. Any necessary preparation instructions will be provided when your appointment is made.