Venous Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity

Imaging Center in Pasadena & Los Angeles, CA

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

Venous Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the blood circulation in the veins of the legs. This type of ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the veins and assess the speed and direction of blood flow. It’s particularly useful for detecting blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), vein valve dysfunction, and other venous disorders.

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

Venous Duplex Ultrasound is commonly used for:

One of the primary reasons for conducting a Venous Duplex Ultrasound is to detect the presence of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. DVT can be a life-threatening condition if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

This condition occurs when the veins in the legs cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. It can cause swelling, pain, and skin changes in the affected legs. Venous Duplex Ultrasound helps in assessing the functionality of vein valves and the severity of venous reflux.

The procedure is used to map varicose veins, assess their impact on venous blood flow, and guide treatment plans. It can help determine the underlying cause of varicose veins, such as valve dysfunction.

In patients with venous ulcers, which are open sores that can occur when the veins in the legs do not return blood back to the heart adequately, a Venous Duplex Ultrasound can help identify the venous insufficiency contributing to the ulceration.

It’s also used to evaluate the venous system before procedures that involve the veins, including before vein surgery or catheter placement, and to monitor the success of interventions aimed at improving venous blood flow

For patients with a history of venous problems, periodic Venous Duplex Ultrasounds may be performed to monitor the condition of the veins and the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.

When the cause of leg swelling is unclear, this ultrasound can help determine whether a venous problem is contributing to the swelling.

By providing detailed images of the veins and real-time information about blood flow, Venous Duplex Ultrasound helps in accurately diagnosing, treating, and managing various venous disorders, leading to better patient outcomes.

Exam Preparation

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

Here’s what you can expect during your Venous Duplex Ultrasound (Lower Extremity):

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 veins 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 veins. 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.

Venous Duplex Ultrasound – Lower Extremity (Legs) Price

$300

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