Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Assessment

What is a vascular ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that helps your doctor diagnose and treat your medical problem. By using very high frequency sound waves the ultrasound machine can form images of the inside of your body. For vascular ultrasound this involves creating images of the blood vessels within your body.

Why would I need a vascular ultrasound of my aorta?

You may have to undertake a vascular ultrasound of your abdominal aorta if you doctor suspects you are at risk of having an enlarged aorta or if they are able to feel any evidence of it during a clinical examination.

Is there any preparation I need to undertake before my vascular ultrasound?

There is no preparation necessary for your vascular ultrasound - you just need to turn up to your appointment.

What clothes do I need to remove?

For a vascular ultrasound of the abdominal aorta you will need to lift your shirt and lower your trousers/skirt and underwear so that we can get easy access to your abdomen between your ribs and your hips.

What are you looking for during the vascular ultrasound of the Aorta?

The aorta is the main artery that takes the blood from the heart to the lower half of your body. In some people this artery can become enlarged and this could be a problem. When we undertake a vascular ultrasound of your abdominal aorta, we will measure the size of the aorta and check the blood flow. We will ask you to lie flat on the bed. Because these arteries can be deep it may be necessary for the sonographer to press quite firmly on your abdomen.

What happens during the scan?

We will ask you to lie flat on the bed. Because the abdominal aorta can be deep, it may be necessary for the sonographer to press quite firmly on your abdomen.

How long will the vascular ultrasound take?

A vascular ultrasound of the aorta takes about 30 minutes to perform.