Mesenteric Arteries 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 the mesenteric arteries?

You may need to have a vascular ultrasound of your mesenteric arteries because you may experience symptoms of discomfort after eating.

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 mesenteric arteries 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 mesenteric arteries?

When we undertake a vascular ultrasound of your mesenteric arteries, we are looking for a narrowing or any blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your intestines.

What happens during the scan?

You will be asked 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.

How long will the vascular ultrasound take?

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