WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER DUPLEX ULTRASOUND OF YOUR VEINS?
WHAT IS DUPLEX ULTRASOUND?
The name “duplex ultrasound” refers to the fact that this type of test incorporates two elements: a grayscale image of your vein and color images that visualize the flow of blood within the veins.
A duplex ultrasound combines: Traditional Ultrasound, This uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create pictures. Doppler ultrasound records sound waves reflecting off moving objects, such as blood, to measure their speed and other aspects of how they flow. Duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive evaluation of blood flow through your arteries and veins . This test provides information to help your doctor make a sound diagnosis and outline a treatment plan.
BEFORE YOUR ULTRASOUND:
HERE IS WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Follow instructions you are given to prepare for the test. Drink plenty of water the night prior and the day of your ultrasound. Avoid all caffeine and tobacco products.
- Tell us at the time of your appointment what medicines you are taking.. Continue all of your medications including blood thinners.
- Allow time to check in
Tell us if you’ve had:
- A previous procedure, such as Laser ablation or vein ligation and stripping
- You may be asked other questions about your legs.
DURING THE PROCEDURE:
You may need to wear a medical gown. You will lay supine in the office procedure room with the leg slightly flexed at the knee. We may ask you to change positions several times through the test. You will need to hold still otherwise.
The ultrasound technologist will squirt warm gel onto your legs and rub a handheld transducer across your leg. A computer measures how the ultrasound signals bounce back to the transducer. The gel creates a tight bond between your skin and the transducer, and this tight bond reduces static and allows the ultrasound waves to move freely from the transducer to the veins.
You may hear a swishing sound. Do not be alarmed – it is merely the sound of blood moving through your veins and is completely harmless. You may feel pressure as the technologist moves the transducer against your skin but the procedure does not usually cause any discomfort.
The procedure takes about a half an hour, it is completely painless and the most accurate way for us to assess your veins needs.
AFTER YOUR ULTRASOUND:
Normal test results indicate that you have no leakage in your veins. However, Abnormal blood flow patterns, would show that you have one of the following :
- blood clots in a vein
- venous reflux, which can be caused by damaged blood vessels
- venous occlusion, or closing of a vein
For the first two findings you would need to be evaluated by us here at the Alpha Vein Clinic Las Vegas and get them fixed.
Some factors may compromise your results, which means the test will need to be done again. These factors include:
- smoking less than one hour before the test
- severe obesity
- Dehydration
- Drinking caffeine
If any abnormalities are found, We will explain your results in more detail and inform you about any additional tests or treatments you may need. If you’re experiencing any type of vein problem, book an appointment today for a thorough physical exam and a treatment plan customized just for you.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh