Vascular Studies

Vascular studies are non-invasive procedures used to assess the blood flow in arteries and veins in the heart. A transducer is placed on the skin that sends out ultrasonic sound waves and, as the waves are reflected, it produces a sound that is amplified.

adult male patient speaking with provider

To assess the carotid arteries in the neck, a carotid duplex scan may be performed. This type of doppler examination provides a two-dimensional image of the arteries so that the structure of the arteries and location of a blockage or narrowing can be determined, as well as the degree of blood flow.

With color doppler, different colors are used to designate the direction of blood flow. This simplifies the interpretation of the doppler technique.

Doppler ultrasounds measure and assess the flow of blood through the blood vessels. The amount of blood pumped with each beat is an indication of the size of a vessel’s opening. Doppler can detect abnormal blood flow within a vessel, which can indicate a blockage caused by a blood clot, a plaque or inflammation.

To assess blood flow in the limbs, pulse volume recordings (PVRs) may be performed. Blood pressure cuffs are inflated on the limb and blood pressure in the limb is measured using the doppler transducer.

Vascular Studies

Procedures and Conditions Treated