Arterial Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity

Imaging Center in Pasadena & Los Angeles, CA

What is Arterial Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs)?

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging test used to evaluate the blood flow and structure of the arteries in the legs. This ultrasound exam uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create images, allowing for the visualization of the structure of the arteries, including any blockages, plaque buildup, or abnormalities in the artery walls.

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Why are Arterial Duplex Ultrasounds – Lower Extremity (Legs) commonly performed?

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound is commonly used for:

Such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where the arteries that supply blood to the legs are narrowed or blocked.

Assessing the severity and location of arterial blockages.

For vascular conditions, including decisions on the need for surgical interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

The success of treatments or surgeries that have been performed to improve blood flow.

The potential for arterial injury in cases of trauma.

It is a safe, painless, and effective way to assess vascular health without the need for radiation or contrast dye, making it a preferred choice for initial vascular assessments.

Exam Preparation

How to prepare for your Arterial Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs) procedure?

There is no preparation for this procedure. Please following the steps below to ensure that the procedure is as effective and comfortable as possible.

Your healthcare provider or Sono Center Medical Group will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the ultrasound. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully.

There are no eating or drinking restrictions.

Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.

A provider’s referral is required to schedule any imaging study. If you do not have a provider referral, Sono Center can assist with scheduling a telehealth consultation for you (independent healthcare provider belonging to an external network). If you have any relevant medical history, previous imaging results, or physician referrals, please bring them with you to the appointment.

Remember that the specific instructions for preparation can vary, so it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider and Sono Center Medical Group. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the preparation, don’t hesitate to contact us or your healthcare provider for clarification. If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do not schedule this exam if you have an open wound, have any skin discharge or any type of active skin infection such as cellulitis, folliculitis or shingles.

Ultrasound Procedure

What to expect during your Arterial Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs) procedure?

Here’s what you can expect during your Soft Tissue Ultrasound:

You will be asked to lie down on an examination table, and the area of your legs being examined may be exposed while the rest of your body is covered.

A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area that needs to be evaluated. This gel helps to create a smooth surface and facilitate the transmission of sound waves between the transducer and your skin.

The sonographer (ultrasound technician) will move a small, hand-held device called a transducer over your skin in the area of your arteries. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off your blood vessels, and the returning echoes are converted into images on a monitor.

The technologist will capture images of the area being examined, from various perspectives to ensure a comprehensive examination. You may be asked to change positions during the test to get better images of different areas.

The technician might take screenshots or measurements of specific areas of interest for later evaluation by a radiologist.

Once all the necessary images have been obtained, you may wipe off the gel from your skin. You can then go about your normal activities.

After the procedure, the images and findings of your abnormalities will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will generate a report for your healthcare provider. We will share the report with you via a HIPAA compliant email, as well as fax the report to your healthcare provider. You must follow up with your healthcare provider to review your results. It is important for you to understand that you may have problems, disease, or abnormalities, but this study may not find them. You may need additional imaging or tests.

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs) Price

$300

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