Non-invasive imaging techniques have revolutionised the way healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. Even in vascular surgery, technologies like vascular ultrasound have become vital tools in providing high-quality and accurate medical care. It is a procedure vascular doctors will recommend going through in order to better understand and manage venous conditions. We’ll share more about vascular ultrasound in this article to give you a better idea of how it’ll help in your treatment process.

What is Vascular Ultrasound?

Source: Boltonimaging

Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to visualise and evaluate the blood vessels in the body. It employs high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of blood flow and the structure of blood vessels. This is commonly used to assess the health and function of arteries and veins in your body. 

Due to its non-invasive nature and lack of exposure to ionising radiation, vascular ultrasound is considered safe and widely preferred for diagnosing vascular conditions, especially when compared to more invasive imaging methods like angiography.

When Do You Need a Vascular Ultrasound?

A patient may need to undergo a vascular ultrasound for various reasons related to their circulatory health. Usually, if the vascular doctor suspects that the patient is suffering from conditions such as peripheral artery diseases, deep vein thrombosis, carotid artery disease, or abdominal aortic aneurysm, they will schedule the patient for a vascular ultrasound. 

A vascular ultrasound may also be arranged before surgeries and procedures, during treatment to assess the progress, or for diagnosis purposes. 

What to Expect During a Vascular Ultrasound?

Some patients may be asked to turn up in loose-fitting clothing or change into a hospital gown for a vascular ultrasound. Before the procedure begins, the patient will be positioned on an examination table, ensuring that the area to be examined can be accessed easily. This will help the ultrasound proceed smoothly. 

A water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area of interest. The vascular doctor will then begin scanning the blood vessels from different angles with a transducer, which emits high-frequency sound waves into the body and receives the echoes of the waves bouncing back. The sound waves are then processed by a computer to produce detailed images of the blood vessels and blood flow. 

The recorded images and measurements are then interpreted by the vascular doctor, who will recommend appropriate treatment options. 

Vascular ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive procedure, and it usually only takes between 30 minutes and an hour. 

Is It Important to Get a Vascular Ultrasound?

A vascular ultrasound plays a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various vascular conditions. Here’s why it’s important to get a vascular ultrasound:

• A vascular ultrasound can detect early signs of vascular diseases. This allows for timely intervention and treatment to prevent the condition from progressing further causing potential complications.
• A vascular ultraround provides detailed real-time images of blood vessels and blood flow that allows healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose vascular conditions, assess the severity of the disease, and determine the appropriate treatment plan. 
• For patients with diagnosed vascular conditions, a vascular ultrasound helps in planning the most suitable treatment approach. It assists doctors in deciding whether medical management, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical intervention is necessary.
• In cases where surgical procedures are required, vascular ultrasound provides real-time guidance to surgeons during the procedure. This ensures greater accuracy and safety during the surgery.

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Endovascular Surgery

Vascular ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool that aids in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of vascular conditions. By providing vital information about the circulatory system, vascular ultrasound contributes to improved patient outcomes and enhanced overall circulatory health.

Cheng SC Veins and Endovascular Clinic is a vein clinic in Singapore led by Dr Cheng, a seasoned vascular doctor who specialises in providing treatment to patients dealing with venous diseases. Schedule your medical appointment with us to resolve your vascular problems today.