If you have been referred for a venous exam, non-invasive ultrasound will be used to evaluate blood flow in your legs or arms or both. Veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart. There are two main sets of veins in the legs: deep veins which lie deep under the skin, and superficial veins which are closer to the surface. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the development of a blood clot in the deep veins, which can cause partial or total blockage of blood flow in these vessels. Pain, swelling or redness in the limb may result. Unlike superficial thrombophlebitis (a blood clot in the superficial veins), DVT is of more serious concern since the blood clot could break off and travel to the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolism. The risk of pulmonary embolism is reduced by prompt recognition and treatment of DVT. During a venous evaluation the technologist will pass a risk-free, painless non-invasive ultrasound transducer (probe or wand) over your limb(s) to examine blood flow within the veins. Learn more here.
Indications
- Limb pain or swelling. Suspected pulmonary embolism (shortness of breath, chest pain)
- Thickening of skin or Cellulitis
- Symptoms of varicose veins
- Venous ulceration
- Vein mapping
- Pre-op dialysis access mapping
- Post-ablation monitoring
Patient Preparation
No patient preparation is needed; however restrictive undergarments should not be worn.
