Lower Extremity Arterial Vascular Ultrasound

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 lower extremity arterial?

You may need to have a vascular ultrasound of your lower extremity arterial because you have been experiencing any leg muscle pain during exercise/walking that is relieved by stopping and resting (this is known as intermittent claudication) or if you have pain in your legs when you lay flat then it is possible that you could have peripheral artery disease. In the most severe cases you may have ulceration or non-healing wounds on your toes or feet.

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 take off?

During the vascular ultrasound of your lower extremity arterial we will need to be able to access the skin from your ribs to your toes. You will need to remove your trousers/skirt, shoes and socks but you must keep your underwear on. During this scan we will take the blood pressure in your ankles as well as your arms so we will also need to be able to access your upper arms.

What are you looking for during a vascular ultrasound of my lower extremity arteries?

When we undertake a vascular ultrasound of your lower extremity arterial, we are checking the main arteries that supply your legs for narrowing, blockages or any areas that may have become enlarged. Sometimes your doctor will ask that we check the blood pressures in your legs after you have exercised so you may have to walk on our treadmill for a few minutes so that we can see if there is any change.

what happens during the vascular ultrasound?

During the vascular ultrasound you will need to lie down, and the sonographer will occasionally ask you to move your leg into different positions.

How long will the vascular ultrasound take?

A vascular ultrasound of the lower extremity arterial takes around 20 minutes to perform per leg, and about 10 minutes for the blood pressure testing.