When doctors suspect that there is a problem with your arteries or veins, they use special equipment to help them see through your skin and body tissue. These machines are referred to as vascular ultrasound machines. They mostly examine the rate at which blood flows in your arteries and veins, which helps determine whether there is a clog or other problems.
Vascular Ultrasound Procedures
An ultrasound machine has a probe that is placed on your skin, on the part of the body where the doctor wants to inspect your arteries or veins; it can be your neck, abdomen, legs, arms or chest.
The area is cleaned and a gel applied; it might feel cold. The gel helps facilitate better imaging though the transmission of soundwaves from the probe to your arteries. These soundwaves pass through your skin and into your body. They then bounce back from tissue, organs, your veins and arteries and are received by the same probe. They are sent back to the ultrasound machine for interpretation, which means displaying your arteries and veins on a monitor. You may see the doctor move the probe in a circular motion to spread the gel and to get better positioning. The doctor can then monitor blood flow through the ultrasound machine monitor.
When Might a Vascular Ultrasound Be Needed?
Doctors aim to find out why you have reduced blood flow, which, in most cases, is usually a result of a clog.
A doctor may need to carry out an ultrasound if you have symptoms that suggest that various organs are not getting nutrients or sufficient blood flow. Blood carries nutrients and oxygen, which are needed by different organs and cells. Without these nutrients, cells can start to die, meaning your organs can start to die off one by one and eventually lead to your death.
Doctors may also carry out an ultrasound after surgery to ensure you do not throw a clot. You may also be expected to move about to keep your blood flow rate up.
Vascular ultrasounds may also be used to help a doctor carry out a medical procedure; for example, when inserting a wire into your artery to clear a clot, they help by providing a visual guide.
Note that some people are at high risk of artery problems; these individuals may need regular ultrasounds to ensure they do not succumb to their illness. People who fall under this category may include individuals suffering from varicose veins, diabetes, embolus and aneurysms.
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