Vascular ultrasound studies are non-invasive procedures used to assess the blood flow in arteries and veins.
A transducer, similar to a microphone, is placed on the skin at certain locations and angles so that ultrasonic sound waves can move through the skin and other body tissues to the blood vessels. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to an amplifier, which creates an image of the veins, arteries, and organs.
Doctors use vascular studies to evaluate the signs and symptoms of several conditions that may cause decreased blood flow in the arteries and/or veins of your neck, abdomen, legs or arms, including:
Generally, for carotid Dopplers and arterial/venous Dopplers of the extremities there is no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation required. For Abdominal Dopplers you will be required to fast prior to testing. If you smoke, your doctor will ask you to refrain from smoking for at least two hours before the test, as smoking causes blood vessels to constrict.
There is no special type of care following a vascular study. However, your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on the results.
Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Practices
Cumberland/Dauphin/Franklin/Perry Counties: 717-731-0101
Pediatric : 717-761-0200
Hanover: 717-637-1738
York: 717-849-5576
Lancaster/Lititz: 717-299-5000
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery: 717-231-8555
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Commerce Park Professional Center
20 Expedition Trail
Suite 203
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Office Building
310 Stock Street
Suite 3
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430
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