What is duplex scan of lower extremity arteries?
A lower extremity arterial duplex test is like an echo on the heart but it scans the arteries in the legs. It uses sound waves to look into the vessels checking for blockages or narrowing of the arteries. The word “Duplex” is also called “Doppler”, “Ultrasound, or “Sonogram”.
What is US lower extremity venous duplex?
Purpose of the Test This ultrasound helps us to see the arteries that carry blood to the legs. It uses high frequency sound waves. This test finds blockages in the leg arteries and grades the severity of these blockages.
What is a lower extremity arterial exam?
A lower extremity arterial (LEA) evaluation, also known as ankle-brachial index (ABI), is a non-invasive test that is used to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (also known as peripheral vascular disease).
How is a duplex ultrasound performed?
A wand, called a transducer, is moved over the area being tested. This wand sends out the sound waves. A computer measures how the sound waves reflect back, and changes the sound waves into pictures. The Doppler creates a “swishing” sound, which is the sound of your blood moving through the arteries and veins.
What is the difference between duplex and ultrasound?
A duplex ultrasound combines a traditional ultrasound, which uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create an image, and Doppler ultrasound, which records sound waves that bounce off moving objects, such as blood, to measure speed and flow.
What is a lower extremity arterial ultrasound?
Lower Extremity Arterial Ultrasound. A lower extremity arterial ultrasound is used to look at the blood flow at different segments of your legs. Normally blood pressure is similar whether it is measured in the legs or arms.
How long does it take to do an ultrasound on my leg?
The technologist will apply a warm gel to your legs and a transducer or a small microphone will be used to examine your arteries. You will hear the sound of moving blood during the exam. Do not be alarmed; it is harmless. Your exam will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
Can you eat before a leg ultrasound?
It is commonly used to search for blood clots, especially in the veins of the leg – a condition often referred to as deep vein thrombosis. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and has no known harmful effects. On occasion, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything but water for six to eight hours beforehand.
What does duplex mean in ultrasound?
The duplex/doppler ultrasound test examines the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs. The test uses duplex ultrasonography to visualize the blood flow and doppler ultrasonography provides an audio means to hear the blood flow.
Is duplex ultrasound the same as Doppler?
What is the difference between an ultrasound and a duplex scan?
Assessing blood flow through your limbs’ arteries A duplex ultrasound combines a traditional ultrasound, which uses sound waves that bounce off blood vessels to create an image, and Doppler ultrasound, which records sound waves that bounce off moving objects, such as blood, to measure speed and flow.